COVID-19 Information and Resources

Vaccines make your immune system stronger. They build antibodies to help prevent diseases. Immunization is much safer than getting the potentially deadly COVID-19 virus.

Vaccines also provide protection for certain people who cannot get the vaccine, such as immunocompromised people and people with certain allergies. If the majority of people are vaccinated, that helps prevent the spread of the virus, which protects the health of the whole community.

First Nation people are a priority for a number of reasons, including:

• First Nation people are particularly vulnerable to this deadly virus, largely due to colonial legacies which have led to lower health outcomes overall.
• First Nations are over-represented in hospitalizations and ICU admissions due to COVID-19.

Yes!

All vaccines are peer-reviewed and analyzed for their safety and effectiveness before they are granted approval by Health Canada. They have to go through a strict vetting process and must be shown to be safe and effective before they can be used. After approval, they continue to be monitored closely for their safety and effectiveness.

Four vaccines have been approved by Health Canada so far for use, Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Janssen. Millions of people worldwide have already been vaccinated with more people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine every day!

First Nation Health experts have advised us that this is the best tool we have to protect First Nation people from the coronavirus.

Some people are hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for a variety of reasons, including concerns and feelings of mistrust towards the Canadian medical establishment, inaccurate information shared about vaccines online and on social media, and the fact that the COVID-19 vaccines have been produced relatively quickly.

First Nation health experts encourage everyone to be vaccinated as our best defense against this deadly virus, which has had a disproportionate affect on First Nation people, communities, and livelihoods.

If you’re still hesitant after reading this FAQs guide then we highly recommend for you to contact your local health station or clinic where you can get trustworthy information on the vaccine, its distribution, and any other questions you may have.

Take a look at some COVID-19 Myths & Facts here!

All of the vaccines offer excellent protection against the COVID-19 virus. As an example, early results from clinical trials show the Moderna vaccine to be 94% effective at preventing COVID-19 infections that produce symptoms. You are still able to get the virus and spread it after being vaccinated, however, you are far less likely to experience serious outcomes from the virus.

The Moderna vaccine, which is given in two doses several weeks a part, gives the immune system a preview of what the real virus looks like without causing the disease. This preview gives the immune system time to design powerful antibodies that can neutralize the virus and protect us from infection.

All vaccines are shown to be highly effective, but the Moderna vaccine is easier to transport and was therefore selected for shipment to First Nations. Other vaccines, such as Pfizer, are more difficult to transport.

First Nation people who are eligible can also be vaccinated at one of the province’s supersites, located in Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, Morden, Steinbach, Selkirk, and Thompson, or an Indigenous vaccine clinic, or various pop-up clinics.

Find where to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.

We encourage everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine, any vaccine, to be vaccinated!

You can receive your vaccination on reserve by visiting your health centre or health care provider. Call your health centre to make an appointment.

First Nation people living off reserve can access provincial vaccination supersites, Indigenous clinics and pop-up clinics as long as you are aged 6 months or older. Please note that family members and caregivers can make an appointment on a loved one’s behalf.

Find where to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.

These clinics were created to be a culturally safe space for all Indigenous peoples.

For the vast majority of people, the COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect themselves and others against the virus.

However, there is a very small number of people who can’t or shouldn’t be immunized. If you feel that you may qualify for a medical exemption based on the criteria listed below, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your own health care provider and/or your specialist. 

They will review the exemption criteria with you to determine if you may qualify. Only a specialist physician can request a medical exemption from the province, based on your medical history. Individuals cannot submit their own requests for exemption. Once it is submitted, information about the exemption will be entered into the provincial immunization database, including whether the exemption is permanent or temporary.   

Criteria:

Manitoba is developing a medical exemption process for people in one of three situations, who: 

• had a severe reaction after the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. myocarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome);
• are receiving treatment that affects their ability to mount an immune response, meaning vaccination must be timed carefully with their treatment schedule (e.g. receiving immunocompromising treatment after a transplant, certain types of cancer treatments); or
• had a severe allergy or anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or its components that cannot be managed by the Health Sciences Centre Allergy Clinic.

More detailed information about these medical situations.

• You need to have received two doses of a vaccine, and wait 14 days after getting your second dose, so it can take full effect.
• You have to have a Manitoba Health Card to be eligible for an Immunization Card.
• 14 days after your second dose, go here to register to create your account and enter your information – name, birthdate, health card registration number (6-digit) and Personal Health Information Number (9-digit) from your Manitoba Health Card.

People who are exempt from the vaccine will be able to request their digital or physical Manitoba immunization card approximately seven to 14 business days after their exemption is submitted. The card and the display shown after scanning the QR code will be identical to those currently used by fully immunized people. This will help protect the private health information of exempt individuals, while also keeping a simple, consistent process for venues and events that must validate immunization status. 

While safe, there can be side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days, similar to a flu shot. It’s also very normal and natural to experience some side effects as your immune system responds to the vaccine’s healing components.

Responses may include:

• redness, swelling, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• feeling tired
• headache
• fever or chills
• body aches or sore joints
• feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), vomiting (throwing up), or loose stool (diarrhea)
• swollen lymph nodes

After you receive the vaccine, you will be monitored for at least 15 minutes in the unlikely event you experience an allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the throat, etc.).

If you experience an adverse event or medical condition of concern after you leave the place of vaccination contact your health station/clinic or call Health Links–Info Santé in Winnipeg at (204) 788-8200, or toll free elsewhere in Manitoba at 1-888-315-9257.

No! All COVID-19 vaccines are free of cost.

• Bring your health card, or another type of identification (such as driver’s license).
• Wear a mask.
• Wear a short sleeved shirt.
• If needed, you can bring a helper such as a caregiver or family member (who must also wear a mask).
• Be prepared for a 45-minute stay at the site.