AMC welcomes announcement of third mRNA vaccine eligibility

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) welcomes today’s announcement by Dr. Joss Reimer on eligibility for a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Eligibility for a third dose will include First Nations Elders and residents in nursing homes on and off reserve, and those who are immunocompromised due to existing conditions.

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said, “On behalf of the AMC member First Nations I want to thank Dr. Marcia Anderson and the PCRT for their ongoing support and advocacy throughout the pandemic. I also want to extend appreciation and thanks to Dr. Joss Riemer, the vaccine implementation task force, and our provincial partners for their collaborative efforts that have ensured First Nations peoples in the province are prioritized for vaccine eligibility.”

“I am especially pleased,” continued Grand Chief Dumas, “that our residents and Elders within personal care homes on reserve fit eligibility criteria and will be safely prioritized for a third dose of the mRNA vaccine. First Nations have experienced disproportionate effects due to the virus, and we have had, and continue to have, outbreaks within our personal care homes and amongst our vulnerable. The safe third dose vaccine is needed for the full immunization of our vulnerable citizens during this current fourth wave of the pandemic which is being driven by the Delta COVID-19 variant.”

“Our knowledge keepers and Elders are our living connection to our histories and who we are as First Nations, so it is critical that they and their caregivers are protected with a safe booster shot during the fourth wave of the pandemic, “added Grand Chief Dumas.

“I want to reiterate that getting vaccinated and being fully immunized against the virus is the only way for First Nations and Manitobans to be protected and recover from the pandemic. With the help of our provincial and federal partners, some of our First Nations are at or over a 90% vaccination rate, and a third booster shot will provide even more protection. I would also remind all that the vaccine misinformation that is being propagated by those with far-right political agendas should not dissuade people from getting vaccinated,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas.

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For more information, please contact:

Stacia Franz

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 204-292-1504

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