After a successful roll-out of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to residents aged 12-17 in Yellowknife, Ndılǫ, Dettah, and Behchokǫ̀,  the Government of the Northwest Territories is announcing the next round of school-based vaccine clinics, which will be led by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authorities (NTHSSA).  

The next shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has arrived in the NWT. Clinic details for residents aged 12-17 is being finalized for Hay River, Inuvik, and Ft. Smith. They are set to begin  by the end of May. Full details will be posted to the health authority social media pages and online at https://www.nthssa.ca/covid-vaccine. Residents aged 12-17, living in one of these three communities  will be offered vaccine through their school. Youth can also contact their local public health office for other appointment options.  

Continuing to expand vaccination opportunities is a cornerstone of the NWT strategy to combat COVID-19. If residents are unable to access the vaccine in this round, there will be future opportunities f for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine clinics outside the hub communities. Public updates will be shared as those details are finalized including on the NTHSSA website and social media pages.

The NTHSSA will announce vaccine clinics in smaller communities  similar  to the initial Moderna vaccine roll out. Opportunities will be communicated directly to residents via our website and social media, announced to local media when the schedule is updated, and promoted in communities on local radio, with posters, and through other avenues that work to generate local awareness. 

Adults in the NWT who want to get vaccinated are still eligible for the Moderna vaccine and are encouraged to contact their health centre to be put on the waitlist for the next available opportunity. In hub communities, residents can call their local public health unit or book online if located in Yellowknife. If residents have any questions or need assistance in booking a vaccination appointment, please email us at nthssafeedback@gov.nt.ca. 

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“I would like to extend gratitude to the residents who have continued to support their communities by getting vaccinated, practicing physical distancing and masking in public spaces, and to those who have reached out to connect with other residents going through isolation. Residents are reminded to stay home and get tested when e feeling unwell and get vaccinated to protect themselves  and others against COVID-19.” 

-Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services 

Quick Facts:

• Getting vaccinated, if you can, is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your community and our territory from COVID19.Nearly 60% of eligible people in the NWT have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
• Based on a phase 3 clinical trial that included 2,260 children 12 to 15 years of age, the PfizerBioNTech is reported to be 100% efficacious at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

Media Contact
Jack Miltenberger
Communications Officer
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
TEL: 867-767-9107 ext. 40152
EMAIL: jack_miltenberger@gov.nt.ca