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The Porcupine Health Unit and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority are Pleased to Announce the First COVID-19 Vaccines in Moosonee

Today, Lynne Innes, CEO of WAHA and Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit PHU), are pleased to announce that COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered in Moosonee this week, for those in congregate living settings. The PHU, Weeneebayko and Area Health Authority (WAHA), ORNGE, Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) and communities have been collaborating closely to support Operation Remote Immunity. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is being delivered to support the fly-in and remote First Nations communities along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coast served by WAHA.

Lynne Innes, President and CEO of WAHA, states, “we are very fortunate to have the Moderna Vaccine in the James & Hudson Bay Coast, and to work with our collaborative partners through “operation remote immunity” in keeping our people and our region safe!”

“I am thankful that the COVID-19 Vaccine Program has started in the region and pleased to be working with all the partners involved. The vaccine is a critical step forward in fighting this pandemic and protecting the health and safety of all communities.”, states Dr. Catton.
Dr Catton highlighted some key points about the vaccine:

  1. The vaccine is safe. All vaccines in Canada must follow a well-established process prior to approval and ongoing. To be authorized, vaccines must go through a rigorous review process demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the risks.
  2. The vaccine is one more tool against COVID-19, and an important step towards in ending this pandemic.
  3. By receiving a vaccination, you are helping to protect yourself, your family and friends, and most importantly those who are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19.
    Dr. Catton added, “While this is really good news for the North, we need to be patient and recognize that it will take time to immunize everyone who wants the vaccine. Even though vaccination is beginning in the area, it is still very important that everyone continue to follow public health measures.”

    Detailed information on the vaccine development and approval process in Canada can be found by visiting: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/development-approval-infographic.html
    For more information from Weenneebayko Area Health Authority visit the WAHA website

    Vaccine information can be found on the Porcupine Health Unit’s webpage: COVID-19: The Vaccines (porcupinehu.on.ca)

The Porcupine Health Unit and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority are Pleased to Announce the First COVID-19 Vaccines in Moosonee (PDF)