COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment to Ouje-Bougoumou

In light of the active outbreak situation of COVID-19 in the Cree Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou, CBHSSJB Public Health is immediately deploying 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine to the community to start vaccinating its most vulnerable members. These doses are being shared from the current supply of vaccines in Mistissini. The transfer of vaccine doses took place Saturday afternoon.

There are three more confirmed cases of infection linked to this outbreak, bringing the total number of cases to 13. The ongoing situation in Ouje-Bougoumou means there’s a higher chance that vulnerable community members may be exposed to the virus while the contact tracing team works to contain further, possible transmission.

The Moderna vaccine doses shared with Ouje-Bougoumou on Saturday will be given to Elders, other vulnerable community members, including people on dialysis, and front-line health care workers, and will progressively extend to population 55 years and older, according to availability. People who are on the priority list can expect a call from the CMC for further details.  For those not on the priority list, please be informed that our next shipment of all remaining doses allocated for Eeyou Istchee will arrive in our region at the end of next week. All eligible adults 18 years and older can expect to be vaccinated very soon.

Public Health and local leadership will provide updates on local radio and social media with details about this early vaccination campaign in Ouje-Bougoumou. The regional vaccination campaign for all communities of Eeyou Istchee is expected to begin as early as January 15, 2021.

It has always been the Cree way of doing things to help and support each other in times of need. When a family in a nearby camp needs assistance, we do what we can to support them through the challenges they face. Sharing the first shipment of Moderna vaccines will help all of us to protect each other in this challenging time. Additional psycho-social support is being provided to community members. 

Meegwetch to all community members and front-line workers whose efforts, work and collaboration made this deployment possible.