Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green issued the following statement today:
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has been faced with finding unique ways to deal with the challenges presented to us. Most recently, our government has been tasked with finding creative ways to ensure the deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines are administered safely to Northwest Territories (NWT) residents in some of Canada’s most remote Northern communities.
“I am proud to share that over 12 thousand doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered to priority residents since rollout began on December 31, 2020. The COVID-19 vaccine has been successfully delivered to priority groups in all 33 NWT communities thanks to careful planning, logistical expertise, and support from local health care staff, vaccine teams, and communities alike.
“This week, residents and staff in long term care facilities across the NWT started receiving second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and are developing full immunity against the disease. So far over 100 second doses of the vaccine have been given.
“From the beginning, the GNWT has been committed to providing safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible residents to reduce the impact of the virus in our territory. Staff at the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) and Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) have led this ambitious vaccine campaign.
“We are now facing challenges with the Moderna delivery but vaccine delivery in the NWT will continue. We knew that the allotment and delivery of doses were outside of our control, which is why our team built a flexible vaccine delivery schedule to account for shipment delays, weather, and other unforeseen challenges.
“It is important to remember that the public health measures and surveillance systems that have protected NWT residents from COVID-19 so far are all still in place and working extremely well. We will continue to use every possible tool to protect this territory from COVID-19, including public health orders, wastewater testing, point of care testing, and vaccine delivery.
“I know many Northerners are eager to get the vaccine, and I want to reassure them that their turn will come. Remember, every dose given in the NWT boosts our territory’s defense against COVID-19 and benefits us all.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this work, particularly our frontline staff and the teams within the Department of HSS and NTHSSA. The GNWT has had significant success with our vaccine delivery and those involved in this work should be proud of their efforts.
“For regular updates and the most up-to-date information, including vaccine schedule, visit www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19.”