Just one in five Nunavik adults are fully vaccinated
‘The region is not adequately protected,’ says health board
According to the Nunavik health board’s latest stats, only 35 per cent of residents have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, while just 20 per cent are fully vaccinated. (Images courtesy of the NRBHSS)
Only one in five Nunavik adults have been fully immunized against COVID-19 following a region-wide vaccine roll-out, says the region’s health board.
“It should be understood that [our] vaccination coverage is low, which means the region is not adequately protected,” said Josée Levesque, a spokesperson at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services said in a social media post on Wednesday.
The health board’s latest numbers show that 35 per cent of Nunavimmiut have a first dose, while just 20 per cent of residents received a second dose.
The health board’s goal is to reach 75 per cent vaccine coverage.
The board’s initial estimates of vaccination rates were considerably higher.
Following the region’s two-phase vaccination campaign in January and April, which offered a first or second dose to every Nunavik adult, Nunavik’s public health director Dr. Marie Rochette estimated that about half of the region’s roughly 9,000 eligible adults were now protected against the virus.
But health authorities have now teased out data that originally included any non-residents or temporary workers who’d been vaccinated in the region since January.
Vaccines are still available by appointment at most health centres across Nunavik.
Health officials are in discussion with community and regional leaders over if and how to lift restrictions across the region this summer.
The health board said Wednesday it’s considering maintaining certain measures for Nunavimmiut who aren’t yet fully immunized, while lifting other restrictions for those who are protected.
Nunavik health authorities say it’s also a matter of time before young people in the region between the ages of 12 and 17 will be able to get vaccinated, now that Health Canada has approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for that age group.
The health board initially eyed an in-school rollout for teens, but with the school year ending this week across the region, that would push those vaccinate clinics until August, when schools re-open.
“We are, at the present moment, working on the organization of vaccine distribution for 12-17 year olds in the coming weeks,” Levesque said.
“A lot of things need to be looked at on the logistical level and also on the availability of the doses.”
It’s not too difficult to implement the vaccine here in Nunavik. Just have your receipt, plus your certificate that you’re vaccinated, and give your cooperative number, along with your beer receipt . Kuujjuaq will wake up. As for up the coast, certified needed for booze orders, from heavenly south. Let’s see the brave ,, or not so brave then.
You no Vaccinated people, you’ll not go south anytime soon. look at me goes south whenever I want to. That because I got lots of Tickets go, but I would have anyway with my 75% , if it was t for the unvaccinated that refused to cooperate. Ignorance will go for beer, but not for medication
Not surprised in Kuujjuaq, whereby you can’t even get a doctor appointment. It’s interesting so. For many years getting through the doctor appointment number or extension is well known by hospital receptionist and everyone. It’s just not available. , I need to see my doc once in awhile, not just go to the clinic. . We do have a no show person who never shows up to take the appointment. But I’m baffled to how the doctor gets no patients, as by no one assigned to take the appointment and no complaints by the doctor. . Like docs, where are you all day long? Now in kuujjuaq, we do have family board of directors, and who knows a daughter or a son ,could be the ones, not showing up to work, whereby , who from high position will complain? As far as vaccines , it’s ignorant, as like I described above with same ignorant mentality.
An idea that increased the number of people taking vaccinations in California was a lottery with a chance to win the pot of several million. A similar thing could be used with loto Quebec or loto 6-49 tickets being offered up for… money well spent .
For those not vaccinated. There will come a time when you’ll probably not have freedom to move around and travel. Suppose you need a proof of vaccination, otherwise you stay in your community, and not be able to get on board an aircraft? I can see the rush now to the vaccine sites.
Funny how a lottery and travel restrictions are being used to bribe and force this on people. No experimental injections in my family, we are all healthy and not worried. People who are worried have the choice of multiple protections. They will have us living in poverty, not wanting what will surely be a mandatory annual flu shot. It is a sad day when people who are labeled as anti mask, or anti vax, are refused the freedom and right of choice. Government health has won with the laws they passed before this.
Apparently some people don’t understand the severity of covid! This is NOT a flu. This is killing millions of people world wide. This is very real! Be educated, believe or pay the price. Unfortunately your choice of refusal to mask wearing or vaccination infringes on other people’s health. You become a spreader. Children are at risk also your elders. It is scary how people do not believe in reality.
I know people who have lost their grandparents, 21 years old who still after a year cannot taste or smell. I wish people could visit hospital and smell reality.
Nunavimuit protect your people by getting vaccinated. This is very true! ❤
This is not a conspiracy
I’m not anti-anything. But I think we should be ALLOWED the CHOICE. I feel like it is an eccentric, undereducated, and loud few pushing this in favored government eyes. Media censorship and categorizing things as ‘misinformation’ has created an illusion of global support for this.
Covid can and will kill you not to mention your loved ones. Do you want to risk it? I don’t understand why people think this is still about just about them. We’ve been in lock down here since October. We need to be all on board otherwise risk death. The arctic is so fragile. If the variant gets in, it can wipe out so many innocent lives. Why risk it? The world is suffering from this pandemic. When has anything been so drastic is your lifetime? Read about the Spanish flu. How about tuberculosis that has killed so many Inuit. Be a part of the solution not the problem.
I think she is right about the ‘loud’ and ‘excentric’ ones. We got it in your first post
Bribe people to do the right thing: protect themselves and their communities. . . . wow. –pathetic. What about intrinsic motivation?
Youth between the ages of 20 to 40 are not getting their vaccines; maybe the youth organization should start a vaccine campaign among the youth?
It is funny how the people in charge are trying to get people vaccinated in our area, we are fine in fact I have not known anyone dying from it up here, we are all healthy what do you don’t understand, my family is just fine without the vaccine, I really don’t intend to get it, beside we are fine up here, I wonder why they are trying so hard when we are fine, just plain stupidity on the people in charge, the prime minister is still alive, all the hockey players are still alive, in fact most people I know have not passed yet, funny thing people really think they are protected by this vaccine, when they are fine, in the long run something in their system will act up and give somethin unwanted in our daily struggles.
Wow, all the comments about we fine don’t need vaccinations , wich planets do you stay egoism peoples
People need to realize that the government can make the vaccine mandatory if the threat becomes strong enough. If Nunavik with this low percentage of vaccinated people ever becomes a red zone, with a continuous threat, then get ready for mandatory vaccine, which means you’ll have to get vaccinated by law. But, until that time comes, hopefully it won’t, but until that time comes, those not vaccinated will not have freedom of movement. This will be sooner than later. As a matter of fact, since Nunavik is smaller population, with an already vulnerable population! Nunavik could be one of the first areas in Canada to have mandatory vaccination! If the low percentages continues. For any wondering about the powers of the government, just look up government powers in a pandemic.
Reading at the comments, Too May COVIDIOTS in Nunavik
Upon returning to Nunavik I will not be isolating (Quarantining) for you idiots, when I am finally able to travel down south.
I got my 2 doses & Im fine
I don’t agree with that you should not quarantine as you are saying, but your point is well taken. Nunavik will soon lose all respect coming from those who are vaccinated against those who are not. This could happen to many people coming into Nunavik, to totally not respect those who are not vaccinated, and since we don’t know who is and who isn’t, it’s totally disrespectful towards all.
It’s the hardest thing to respect Nunavik in any thing. Whether it be this pandemic, lack of insight into vaccines, or lack of insight into child abuse, alcohol abuse, and so many other things. This makes Nunavik vulnerable to corruption and abuse from many aspects. Lots of money flows into Nunavik, all government input, and it’s all wasted. With this lack of insight into the vaccine, it’s confirming the potential for disrespect, homegrown.
I wonder if Nunavik will turn red once Montreal becomes orange. Healthy or not, vaccinated or not, you can still get and give the covid. The vaccine lowers the risk of death due to the covid. Only the number of deaths in your surrounding area will convince people to get the vaccine; as seen with Trump lol
No 2 meters apart during manicure pedicure session in Kuujjuaq, it is shared on NN. It is a good gesture BUT, we are constantly reminded to follow protocols. As soon as the people got their vaccine, they have a “right” to break their rules?!?!
We are not against the VACCINE but we don’t want it now and we are threatened and people “leaders” are given ideas to bribe even with beer sale and even gambling?
Fight alcoholism and yet use it to bribe very people who are vulnerable. Good idea folks! Again this bribe will not make me to reconsider.
Be a good example they say but the pictures don’t lie.
Wanna take away “our privilege”? What privilege? We can live without them, we are Inuit after all, the resilient!
Manicure and pedicure distance concerns will be the least of your worries as time goes and you’re not vaccinated. You won’t even get a chance to buy toilet paper soon, let alone a case of beer. Stores will not allow the unvaccinated in the door. Your vacation will be in your home community. No traveling for you. Airlines will not allow you on board. Other areas of Quebec will not want you coming to visit. You are , and will always be a threat to yourself, and the well being of others. You are a covidiot. Do the right thing roll up that sleeve, and get your vaccine.
This is the problem in most Nunavik, when they feel SUPERIOR, they will not consider one bit about others opinions and choices. So tell me if it’s only in Nunavik that they will deny unvaccinated people. Because we follow the news and apparently in Tokyo, only 5% of the population is vaccinated (I know the population is nowhere near to even compare it with Nunavik) and they are talking about Olympics. We also see it in China, many are hesitant to take it and one of their concerns is about efficacy for variants. Even in Quebec region it has not even reached 75%. So are you still going to call me “covidiot” or any other name because I have my own reason different than yours? Are you trying to make us suffer and threaten by your wishes? It is so easy for people to stomp at others who are marginalized. I think unvaccinated people will be bullied at the best way possible, they will not even be look at as humans, I hope you are not in leadership because I don’t want a leader who only consider his own and take every bait right away.
I will enjoy my summer and I hope you will too.
I believe it’s pure ignorance that’s keeping people from getting the vaccine. They have an inappropriate fear, based on not understanding what’s happening with this pandemic. They’re the ones who believe in all kinds of super natural voo doos. They’re the ones on social media believing all kinds of foolishness, and sending viruses about in their chain messages and hitting buttons , likes and dislikes, not understanding what they do. They’re the ones having all kinds of issues with scam calls and telemarketing calls day in day out, and all night long. Too bad, because they are putting their life, and vulnerable peoples life in grave danger. Eventually the government will have to step in and apply the pandemic law.
Can you guy stop calling us believers of some sort of voodoo thing? I’m following CTV news and I don’t follow social media “facts” unless I know the link is real. Look at the Montreal’s mayor spotted “breaking” the rules. And she apologized only after getting caught.
Just because people are vaccinated, they, all of a sudden feel superior and yet we still hear all the commercials advertising keep the social distancing even after you got all your shots.
We, the “unvaccinated” ones are following the protocols carefully. We do not minimize the seriousness of this virus. A lot of us minimize the interaction with others as much as we can.
Don’t forget too during big “money seeking moment” meetings, you mention about trauma that was caused by the Government, being experimental and whatnot, it is still around, broken promises and what is scary thing about bribing too is, were our own people bribed about housings? Just like what people want to bribe about beer sales? Is this why many still waiting for their houses that were promised? Think thoroughly before making such “law” . Think about elders and children, I really hope that you are really thinking about them, do you visit them? Help them? Assist them? I hope so because a lot of us live with elders and children, we would be living easier life now if people were more concerned about us because everybody is telling us think about your elders and children. Special need people are LEFT alone. You know who they are. Go help them if you are so concerned because you keep insisting we do not care about them. Maybe we are the ones looking out for them. We are watching the news not social media links that goes nowhere. Nakurmiik
I’m happy that I got vaccinated. It’s not just for me, but for others that I care about. My love ones, like elders and the vulnerable. It’s concerning to see so many people that don’t understand what’s the implications of not getting vaccinated. Yes, I got vaccinated, and I keep wearing my mask, and following all protocols, until which time, 75 percent or whatever numbers are needed to know we are safe. But I know that I’ll have to keep wearing the mask and keep following the procedures yet. People don’t understand that because they don’t get vaccinated, is the reason why the protocol will continue. Nunavik will not have the same freedoms as Montreal or other places in Quebec this summer, because of low vaccinated percentages. We will not have aqpik jam again this year, because not enough people are vaccinated. By not getting vaccinated, people are keeping us in this pandemic.
And if you are still talking about it’s in the past. What can you tell us about 215 remains of children and probably more because it is only found in BC, what about in Manitoba? We are not talking about ancient history here. We are careful now because we had NO say and NO choice back then. We will wait as long as we know it is safe for us!
By the way, alcohol consumption went skyrocket in “modern” world because the fear of unknown was present. More divorce rate and many more are being reported. See, this pandemic is revealing secrets in many shape or form. And our very people are willing to shove us under because we refuse to get the saviour vaccine. This is too good to be true to save us after all the trauma that was done to us. We know about the death happened in 100years when the fur trader came in, many people used to get sick and die from interacting with new comers. We are aware of that, many camps were destroyed by the tiny virus, we are aware of that. We have got our vaccine but not for this new virus we want to wait because even for the simple flu shot, people get sicker for weeks after receiving it. I know you guys “vaccinated” people say it is safe, I will wait. For my own reasoning from gathering information thoroughly and I don’t want the bribery involved in my decision. Respect that as much as you want your decision respected. Hopefully the ones who are waiting are noted carefully if this thing ends up in court for whatever reason and the ones who got the vaccine by bribery.
I will only sigh up for a shot , if they promise me a case of twofour
Be careful about someone promising you a case of beer. You could get the shot of a lifetime, sans the beer.
Many people are afraid of needles. Maybe a significant number of Nunavik population has that fear. The authorities should investigate why so many are not getting vaccinated. We might get a surprise as to why, and fear of the needle could be among them.
The Inuit beneficiary of Nunavik are suffering most in this ignorance of not getting vaccinated. The 75% discount to travel south will not be replaced back anytime soon. People that live and work in Nunavik, from south, essential workers and such, are traveling back and forth to the south , and don’t have to worry about their ticket, cause it’s with the job. Plus many people, will start enjoying going to Montreal and south for that nice summer break soon, but Many in Nunavik, especially those depending on that 75% discount , they’re going to miss out on all that heavenly stuff. And don’t tell me , people don’t want to go south, I know better. Go get your shot, make your life closer to what it was like when you could go for that nice break in the south. That’s not the real reason to get vaccinated, it’s more to do with your health and health of those around you, but it’s another reason to wake up to getting out of the pandemic restrictions.
I don’t know about Iqaluit, but I can tell you that in kuujjuaq we have some healthy young people. They are not people from the community per say, even though, there are people that are in good health from the community. Most of what I are talking, about are young people from the south. Out for that walk or run. What’s interesting is to see the healthy out in the midst of the young unhealthy drunks. It’s so attractive to see a young person in healthy run, but against the unhealthy drunk lady or man walk on the road with kids following. We are our future.
One way or the other, we are all destine to die, ppl who are against getting shots, why? Do you think it is voodoo medicine? I hear this is the researched medication the best the world has ever produced, its not a voodoo medicine, it well researched, produced in the world’s best laboratories. ppl who endanger me by not getting shots are still in shamanism and voodoo stages, or in short; d trump loyalist? Q anon?
Just sharing a quite impressive and promising immunization news update following the prioritization of Indigenous communities in this on-going national vaccine efforts: “75% of adults in Indigenous communities have received 1st COVID-19 vaccine dose” (https://globalnews.ca/video/7894400/75-of-adults-in-indigenous-communities-have-received-1st-covid-19-vaccine-dose-miller) ?
Some people actually believe that they are immune to the virus. Saying they are fine in Nunavik when all it takes is one infected person to pass it around. I’m vaccinated because I care about others.
What an ironic!
You are not paranoid because you are fully vaccinated. ? so, you, taking the first chance, you are not calling yourself paranoid?
I’m starting to think I’m voicing out maybe not to my own people. Nunavik is full of “Inuk” friendly who only add more fuel to the fire and watch gracefully when Inuit fight each other. Uumisuutilaqititauttailitai inuuqatikkaa kapuutialuup aulatsinialunganut. Aviutilaqisimammata angiqatigiigasuartuit taimaitsangilaugutta. Utarqisiagumavunga tukisitsialungalu attanagaluarmangaat taanna kapuutik. Kapurtausialaarqunga naammanaartugituarukku attanartualummuutitsigasuatjangillanga upinnagani malittauqujaujilimaat maliinnatakka. Ajugaitsasungalu nunalirjuat taatsuminga qanimmasimmik nanisiviurqaatuviniit suli kapurtaugumangngitut kapuutinillu sanatsagalua sumut? Sumut kingusinirpauqataujut kapurtaujuni? Sivulliulaujutsutik kinaluunniit nunalimmi aulalangatjagunnailirtilugu aulajivisii Dec 2019mi, kavamamga pigasuammagilaujuk nauluunniit anirqajairtilugu sumut kapurtauqujilutit pigasuammaringngituit?