Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine

Public Notice – January 6, 2021

Labrador-Grenfell Health wishes to update the public on the diligent planning for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the region.

Currently, there are two vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) that have been approved for emergency use by Health Canada to minimize the spread of COVID-19. These vaccines are safe and effective and have undergone a full review and approval process.

During the first three months of 2021, Labrador-Grenfell Health is working with the provincial government to prioritize immunization for individuals within the following groups: adults in remote or isolated Indigenous communities, priority health care workers, residents of long-term and personal care homes, and the elderly.

Initial doses of the vaccines have been distributed around the country to start the vaccination process however the quantity of vaccine remains limited during the beginning of the immunization program. This, along with temperature storage and transportation requirements, impacts current availability of the vaccines.

Labrador-Grenfell Health has received an initial shipment of Moderna vaccine, which has been prioritized for residents living in remote and isolated (fly-in) Indigenous communities. Labrador-Grenfell Health is collaborating with Indigenous Governments in the roll out of the campaign.

Availability of the vaccine for these communities will begin as follows:
• January 11 – Black Tickle, Norman Bay
• January 11-15 – Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet
• January 18-22 – Natuashish

For information on times and locations within Black Tickle and Norman’s Bay, please contact the Black Tickle Community Clinic at (709) 471-8872.

Details around times and locations within Natuashish and Nunatsiavut communities will be released through Mushuau Innu First Nation and Nunatsiavut Government, respectively.

The first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Labrador Grenfell Health is anticipated for the week of Jan 11 for initial priority populations including priority health care workers, long- term care and personal care home residents.

We recognize public anticipation of vaccine availability in each community and to each priority group in our region. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to roll out our vaccination program as quickly and fairly as possible.

In the meantime, it is critical for everyone to continue to follow public health guidance to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your communities.

This includes:
• Wearing a mask and keeping 2 metres distance;
• Washing your hands frequently;
• Staying home and calling 8-11 if you feel sick;
• Respecting public health guidance on gatherings, travel and quarantine.

Labrador-Grenfell Health will continue to communicate as additional vaccine information becomes available.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit Health Canada. For up-to-date information around the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.