Public health nurses vaccinated 21 of 28 of the residents and staff from the Iqaluit Elder's home and another eight doses of the Covid vaccine were administered to public health staff on Wednesday, according to the Government of Nunavut.
The GN also reported that there remains no active cases of the virus in the territory as of Thursday.
photo courtesy of the Government of Nunavut
“Iqaluit Public Health reported that the vaccinations went well and there were no problems,” said Nunavut’s chief public health officer (CPHO) Dr. Michael Patterson.
“This is great news, this means that the elders facility in Iqaluit is one step closer to protection from Covid-19 and one step closer to their family and friends being able to visit without restriction and worry,” said Patterson.
Starting next week all adults in Iglulik, Gjoa Haven, Arviat and Cambridge Bay will be able to get vaccinated at community clinics and focused vaccinations will take place at Elders facilities since seniors are among the most vulnerable populations.
The following vaccination clinics have been scheduled:
Arviat
Location: Community Hall
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 14-18 (excluding Sunday)
Date (2nd dose) Feb. 11-15
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Appointment system: Yes
Call: 867-850-3100
Iglulik mass clinic
Location: Igloolik High School
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 11-12
Date (2nd Dose) Feb. 8-9
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment.
Call: 867-934-2100.
Gjoa Haven mass clinic
Location: Qiqirtaq High School
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 11-12
Date (2nd Dose) Feb. 8-9
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment
Call: 867-360-7441
Cambridge Bay mass clinic
Location: site to be determined
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 14 - 16 (inclusive)
Date (2nd Dose): Feb. 11-13
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Clinic Type: by appointment
Call: 867-983-4500
Iqaluit Elder’s Home
Date (1st Dose): Jan. 6
Date (2nd Dose): Feb. 3
More clinics for additional communities will be scheduled once the date and number of doses for the next federal shipment are confirmed.
“This allows us to provide Nunavummiut with set dates and locations for the next clinics and to adjust our strategy if for some reason we do not receive the amount of doses expected,” said Patterson. "We will keep Nunavummiut informed regarding the progress of our vaccine delivery, the schedules for the clinics and the number of vaccines that have been administered."
People who have been in Nunavut for less than a year and who don't have territorial health cards will still be able to get vaccinated.
The CPHO reiterated that any adult Nunavummiut who is able to take the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine should take it when given the chance.
"The Moderna vaccine is safe, I know there are a lot of rumors that create confusion," he said. "But the only firm reason not to take this vaccine is if you have an allergy to one of the ingredients, if you have had TB or cancer, this vaccine is still safe and appropriate."