January 29, 2021

To: Ugpi’ganjig Community Members

From: Director of Health

Subject: COVID-19 Vaccination registration & information

We want to provide our community members with the most up to date information regarding our vaccination strategy, even with the nationwide shortage of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations; we believe and are confident that the rollout to the community will still be held as early as February or March of 2021.

There are two vaccinations approved by Health Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech, for 16 and over & Moderna for 18 and over). These vaccines have gone through rigorous testing and are approved by Health Canada’s high standards. Both vaccines require two doses. It has not been determined which vaccine will be rolled out in our community.

It is our priority to ensure that all Community Members living within Eel River Bar, and Band Members residing outside of the community who want the Covid-19 vaccine, will receive it. In order to ensure the number of vaccine doses needed, we require each person to pre-register.

Our clinics will be determined by the vaccination supply to the Province of New Brunswick. For this reason, we may need to prioritize our first group being vaccinated, this group will include all community members living on reserve who are 65 and over and Band Members living off-reserve who are 65 and over.

For all community members ages 18 and over living in Community, and band members living off, we will begin a registration process for those wanting to receive the COVID-19 Vaccination. It’s important to register your name for the vaccine, as our Clinic will be set up by appointment only.

Registration will begin Monday, February 1^st, 2021 by calling 506-226-0498

Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Michelle Gagnon (Covid Officer) will be taking your information.

Elders 65 and over living in the community and in the near vicinity will be contacted by telephone during the first week of February. If for some reason we cannot contact you, please call us at 506-684-5002.

Vaccination is proven to be effective in limiting the spread of infection and illness and is safe for use.

We ask for your continued cooperation to ensure a successful vaccination clinic within our community.

In Spirit of Health,

Lynn LaBillois, RN, Director of Health