Métis Nation of Alberta COVID-19 Vaccine Communication

Métis Nation of Alberta COVID-19
Vaccine Communication
The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) recognizes the pandemic has been a challenging time for Métis
Albertans. Citizens have been asked to do what they can to decrease the spread of COVID-19 through
public health measures and it has been difficult for our community.

As you may know, the Government of Canada (GoC) has approved two vaccinations for COVID-19. This is
fantastic news will help us get back to normal sooner!

The MNA recognizes that vaccination is a personal choice. No matter what you choose we’re here to
support our community by providing reliable, accurate, and trusted information, so you can feel
confident in your choice.

Our Health Team has been receiving questions about the vaccines from our community. Below are
responses from MNA Health Director, Reagan Bartel to your frequently asked questions.

Why should get this vaccine?
Approximately 95% of people who get the vaccine are protected from contracting COVID-19.
At this time, there is no known treatment for COVID-19 and until now, following public health measures
is the best tool we had. Vaccination is the next step in the prevention process which allows our bodies to
fight against COVID-19, ultimately stopping its spread.

Covid-19 is not the flu – It is much worse.
This is a new virus with an increased risk of serious complications and possible death for many. COVID-
19 has a greater impact on people who:
    - Are aged 65 and older
    - Have compromised immune system
    - Live with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or blood pressure issues

In Alberta there have been more than 85,000 known cases, and over 750 deaths. If the virus is not kept
under control through public health measures, such as vaccination, there is a risk of overwhelming our

health system. This means there will be a lack of resources (hospital beds, staff, equipment) for the day-
to-day health issues that people face.

Are the vaccines safe?
Short answer: Yes!
How do we know?
All vaccines in development are thoroughly tested and information from the trials are reviewed by the
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). NACI is independent from the GoC and is made
up of many independent professionals from various backgrounds including scientists, nurses, doctors,
pharmacists, public health experts, economists, and representatives.
These professionals look at all information about the vaccine, the virus, who is getting sick, or is likely to
be high-risk. Remember, the following considerations are addressed by a diverse group of people who
have no political affiliations; they simply care about the facts related to the vaccine.

    -   All members of NACI must declare any conflicts of interest, review, assess, and update regularly
        to ensure recommendations are as unbiased as possible.
    -   When considering recommending a vaccine, NACI members must examine:
        - How the disease or virus impacts people
        - How the vaccine prevents disease
        - How well it stimulates the immune system
        - How safe it is (are there any side effects)
        - Ethical concerns
        - If it is fair and equitable to provide the vaccine
        - If it is cost-effective compared to other options
        - Delivering, storing, and handling the vaccine safely
        - How many people want the vaccine

    -   Health Canada only approves a vaccine if it is supported by very robust scientific data with
        evidence showing the benefits outweigh potential risks.

    -   Evidence shows the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe and works for people 16 years and
        older.

    -   The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has evidence that it is safe and works for people 18 years and
        older.

-   There will be ongoing monitoring of the vaccines through Canada’s Adverse Events Following
        Immunization (AEFI) program, as well as ongoing testing through the clinical trials.

What is an mRNA vaccine?
mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine. Many types of vaccines use a weakened, inactivated virus, or
part of a virus to trigger an immune response inside our body. However, instead of using the live virus
that causes COVID-19, mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein spike that will trigger an
immune response. Once triggered, our body then makes antibodies. These antibodies help us fight the
infection if the real virus does enter our body in the future.

Does it matter which vaccine I get?
No. Canada has two approved safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19. It is important that there is
enough for any Canadian who wishes to be vaccinated; therefore, Canada purchased vaccines from both
Pfizer and Moderna. Both offer the same protection from COVID-19 infection.

I heard that I might need two doses of vaccine. Why do I need two doses?
Just like all medications, it is important to follow the instructions for use. Both the Pfizer and Moderna
vaccines require two doses, within 42 days, so that your immune system reaches the highest level of
immunity. Think of it like studying for a test. If you read something once you might remember, but if you
read it more than once you’re more likely to remember. That is why you will be required to get two
doses of the vaccine. This is similar to other vaccines that require more than one dose that have been
around for many years like Hepatitis B, or HPV for example. If you decide to get vaccinated, it is very
important you get both doses. Public health nurses who administer the vaccination will make sure you
have the information you need to book your second dose.

What are the side effects?
Side effects are similar to what you would expect from any other vaccine and typically last a few days.
Side effects may include:
    - Redness or swelling at injection site
    - Sore arm
    - Feeling achy and tired
    - Mild fever
These symptoms may be a sign the vaccine is working; however, not everyone will experience them.

Who should not get the vaccine?
Children and pregnant women should not get the vaccine as it has not yet been approved for this group.
Anyone who is allergic to any of the components in the vaccine (especially polyethylene glycol found in
cosmetics, skin care products, cough syrups, and more).

It is important to note that children under the ages of 16 may be included at a later date. We learned
above about NACI and how they look at all the information about the vaccine before making
recommendations about who should receive it. At this time, there has not been enough testing on
children (only adults). The very robust trials that tested the vaccine included adults who were able to
consent to taking the vaccine. As we learn more, there is a very real possibility that children will be
included.

If you are immunocompromised it will be important to share that information with the public health
nurse when you book your appointment and when you arrive. You can also ask your physician. The
decision will be up to you and your medical team; however, being immunocompromised is not listed as
a reason why you should not get the vaccine. Your health care team is the best source of information
about your specific health condition and whether the vaccine is a good choice for you.

I heard it takes years to make vaccines, how come this one is so fast?
mRNA vaccines have been in development for over two decades for other viruses such as MERS and
SARS, all of which have seen positive outcomes. Development and testing of the vaccine was able to
happen much faster due to the huge global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. High case numbers
around the world required immediate action. Everyone around the world began working together and
increased funding and information sharing about vaccine development. This allowed the process of
vaccine trials to be expediated. Think of it as the world suddenly adopting a Métis way of thinking –
working together as a community to make sure that no one is left behind. It is amazing what can be
accomplished when everyone is working together on a common goal.

Who receives it?
Every person who wishes to receive a vaccination for COVID-19 will receive one.
Every country in the world hopes to vaccinate their population at the same time – that is billions of
doses. Considering this demand, it is not possible to produce and distribute COVID-19 vaccines for all
Canadians right away. Rather than waiting until Canada has enough doses for every citizen, they are
providing vaccines as they arrive.

There is a process to decide who receives the vaccine first and NACI, the non-
governmental/independent body we discussed above, is responsible for making these
recommendations, based on protecting the most vulnerable, and those who provide care and maintain
our health service levels.

These recommendations are provided to each provincial government who then decides how the
vaccination will roll-out based on the information about who is most at risk for severe disease in the
province.
Based on the NACI recommendations, the Government of Alberta’s vaccination plan is as follows:

Early Phase 1: Began December 2020
Immunizations will be offered in Edmonton and Calgary, focusing on acute care sites with the highest
COVID-19 concerns. High-risk populations include:
    • Staff in long term care and designated supportive living facilities
    • Health-care workers in intensive care units
    • Respiratory therapists

Phase 1A: January 2021
Immunizations will be offered to the following high-risk populations across the province:
   • Respiratory therapists
   • Health-care workers in intensive care units
   • Staff in long term care and designated supportive living facilities
   • Home care workers
   • Health-care workers in emergency departments
   • All residents of long-term care and designated supportive living
   • Paramedics and EMS

Phase 1B: February 2021
*Timeline may be subject to change depending on vaccine supply
Immunizations will be offered to high-risk populations across the province, comprised of:
   • Seniors 75 years and older
   • First Nations, Métis, and those 65 years and older living in a First Nations community or Métis
       Settlement
   • Health-care workers in COVID-19 units, and medical, surgical, or operating rooms

Phase 2: April to September 2021 – Continue targeting high-risk populations
   • Work to identify sequencing for Phase 2 groups is underway. Decisions will be made in coming
        months

Phase 3: Fall 2021
   • Anticipated start of vaccinations for the general public

Where can I find safe and trusted sources about the vaccine?

It is important to access reliable information when you are researching about vaccines. Social media can
be an easy and informative source, however it is also easy for anyone to post misleading, non-factual
information, and personal opinions.

The MNA has provided a list of sources to read about vaccines that are accurate and factual. You can
find a list of these resources on our webpage (insert link to webpage)

List resources here:

CIC presentations

Coronavirus COVID-19 Information for Health care Professionals

“What the COVID-19 vaccination does to your body” Video

National Advisory Committee on Immunization Statements

Public Health Agency of Canada

Canadian Immunization Guide

Adverse Events Following Immunization Reporting

Pfizer-BioNTech PHAC site

Moderna Vaccine Information

Whiteboard Doctor

Childrens’ Hospital of Philadelphia - Q&A

Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Paul Offit: Covid19