COVID-19 vaccines and Indigenous peoples
Choose a topic
COVID-19 vaccinations underway
COVID-19 vaccine uptake data reported to and by Indigenous Services Canada now excludes uptake in Inuit and territorial communities as data updates from territorial and regional governments have not been publicly available since mid-2022.
Vaccination in numbers
As of August 24, 2024, First Nations communities have reported the following data:
- 151 newly reported COVID-19 vaccine doses administered since June 22, 2024
- 17,272 cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered since August 27, 2023
To find out more about the progress in administration of vaccines:
Why vaccinate against COVID-19
By getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be protected and will help prevent the spread of the virus to those who may be more likely to contract it, such as:
- Elders and older adults
- residents and staff of long-term care homes
- people with certain medical conditions where infection could cause severe illness and death
Vaccines prevent infection, hospitalization, admission in an intensive care unit (ICU) and death. ISC supports all First Nations, Inuit and Métis to receive the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and communities.
Indigenous peoples in urban communities
- ISC is working closely with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, the National Association of Friendship Centres and other urban community service organizations to support current planning efforts
- This includes:
- identifying challenges and opportunities for increasing vaccination for Indigenous peoples, no matter where they live
- supporting partners to have vaccination locations that are welcoming and accessible to Indigenous peoples
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis, regardless of where they live, can receive COVID-19 vaccination through their provincial or territorial health services
- to find out more, please consult your provincial or territorial roll-out plan
- ISC does not administer vaccines in urban communities but we do support current planning efforts
- organizations that may offer more information include: