A blockade restricted entry into SFN beginning in December after a spike of cases was confirmed in the First Nation. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

VACCINE ROLLOUT

Snuneymuxw First Nation completing second round of COVID-19 immunizations

Feb 18, 2021 | 9:22 AM

NANAIMO — Following an outbreak of COVID-19 in December, members of Snuneymuxw First Nation are now better protected against the global pandemic.

Just over 300 members of Snuneymuxw First Nation received the second and final dose of the Moderna vaccine at a clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The clinic continues Thursday, Feb. 18.

The First Nation received 470 doses of Moderna vaccine in January in response to a growing outbreak in the community. Approximately 71 per cent of SFN members opted to receive the first immunization during a two-day clinic on Jan. 6 and 7.

“This is an important layer of protection for our community,” Mike Wyse, SFN Chief said in a statement. “We are thankful to all staff and health partners who worked together to ensure that Snuneymuxw received our second round of doses to increase immunity and protection of the community.”

As of Thursday, Feb. 18, SFN has confirmed 53 cases of COVID-19 among their members with one active case on reserve and three elsewhere in the region.

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“A reminder to all that these vaccinations do not mean that we can go back to normal right away. They are only one level of protection,” Wyse said.

An outbreak of cases within SFN in late December fast-tracked the community to the front of the line for vaccine.

Originally, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and public health earmarked Moderna doses for rural and remote First Nations.

The FNHA’s plan for vaccine rollout among B.C. First Nations allowed for changes to be made in order to meet the changing landscape.

“This is the first time we have gone away from our original plan and list of prioritized communities to put forth vaccine for a community experience one of those clusters,” Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting chief medical officer with First Nations Health Authority, said in early January.

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