This vaccination drive thru was hosted by the LLRIB on June 16. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

low rates

NDP launch ad campaign to boost vaccination rates in Saskatchewan’s North

Jun 18, 2021 | 4:42 PM

Northern NDP MLAs have launched a radio campaign to address vaccine hesitancy and boost COVID-19 vaccination rates.

In a news release issued Friday, MLAs Buckley Belanger and Doyle Vermette stated their concern about low vaccination rates in Northern Saskatchewan, in particular the Athabasca and Cumberland regions. Radio announcements will begin June 21 for several weeks and be broadcasted in Cree, Dene and English.

“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to get as many folks vaccinated as possible,” MLA Doyle Vermette is quoted as saying in the release. “That’s why we’re launching this campaign. For your own safety, for the safety of your family, for the safety of your community, if you haven’t already, please go get vaccinated.”

Specifically, the MLAs point to how English River First Nation recently declared a 48-hour lockdown after a spike of COVID-19 cases. It also mentions Indigenous leadership has taken the lead in vaccination in the North, which was demonstrated through drive-thru clinics operated by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) this month.

“A lot of folks up here are extremely dependent on community,” Belanger said. “The way this virus works, we know that folks in the North are especially vulnerable. This government should have prioritized a strategy to get shots into arms in these communities, but they have clearly chosen otherwise.”

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In an email from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to larongeNOW, it was stated vaccines clinics have been offered in Northern Saskatchewan for months. That has included booked appointments and other formats to reach as many people as possible.

“One example is a recent door-to-door campaign in La Loche and neighbouring communities to assist people in accessing the vaccine,” the email notes. “This resulted in about 250 people being vaccinated. We continue to work with leadership in various northern communities to address access and questions about vaccines.”

In La Ronge, clinics are being offered through the SHA, LLRIB and pharmacies provide 10 to 20 doses each day. Various Moderna clinics have also been offered in Creighton, Pinehouse and Sandy Bay.

“The next clinics in the La Ronge area will be a mixture of drive-thru, booked, walk-in and mobile clinics based on need in our communities starting on June 19,” the email stated.

The SHA is also working towards eliminating barriers, such as transportation and childcare, to vaccinate as many people as possible. The email notes there remains individuals who are hesitant and have questions about the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno