Contextualization
In recent weeks, health authorities have shared their concerns about the B.1.617.2 variant, commonly known as the Delta variant, which recently arrived in Quebec, and its possible impacts on the evolution of the pandemic. As some First Nations communities are faced with low vaccination rates that are conducive to a worrisome transmission of the virus, and young adults across the province appear to be more reluctant to be vaccinated, it is more important than ever to maintain, or even increase, our awareness-raising efforts.
One of the characteristics of the Delta variant is its increased transmissibility, which has allowed it to spread within many countries. In addition, a single dose of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine offers only 30% protection against this variant, while the second dose offers 88% protection.1 Consequently, in order to avoid a fourth wave as is occurring in several countries in Europe, the two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are essential in order to provide optimal protection.
Vaccine promotion and accessibility
Given the vulnerability factors already known in the First Nations communities, we must put in place means to prevent possible outbreaks. Vaccine promotion and accessibility remains our best solution.
In this sense, it is important to make the vaccine easily accessible to those interested in receiving it. As vaccine dose accessibility is no longer currently an issue, we must avoid losing an opportunity to offer it. With that in mind, it is recommended to work with local leaders to find opportunities to administer vaccines when people are available, for example, through community events. In addition, here is some useful information to pass on to your populations:
- It is not mandatory in Quebec to have your health insurance card to obtain the vaccine against COVID-19 free of charge.2
- It is not too late to get the first dose of the vaccine.
- The second dose can be obtained at a different vaccination site than the one visited for the first dose. To do this, an appointment can be made via the Clic Santé portal or it is also possible to visit a walk-in clinic in proximity to urban centres. The list of walk-in clinics that offer the first and second dose, by health region, can be found on the website of the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.
Note that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization issued, on July 22, a new recommendation regarding people previously infected with COVID-19. It is recommended that a full series of COVID-19 vaccine, i.e., two doses, be offered to people who have already been infected with the virus, since the risk of reinfection with the variant is not yet well known.3
Recommendations
In short, we encourage you to continue to work with influential people in your community to raise awareness regarding the importance of vaccination, especially with the arrival of the Delta variant. It could be interesting to capitalize on the desire of people to find and maintain a “normal” life, for example, during sporting and cultural gatherings, and to take advantage of these to set up mobile vaccination clinics.
Since accessibility of vaccine doses is essential to promoting vaccination, we encourage you to contact your CISSS or CIUSSS to develop a strategy to keep some doses of vaccine in your community.
The FNQLHSSC remains available to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@cssspnql.com.
