The COVID-19 vaccine: a First Nations doctor who’s received the COVID-19 vaccine shares some information and thoughts – FNHA
A message from Dr. Kelsey Louie, FNHA Medical Officer and Tla’Amin Nation Citizen
I was both pleased and relieved to receive the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month. As a physician who works in clinics and hospitals, I am in the high-risk category, so with the vaccination I will be able to breathe a little easier: findings to date show COVID-19 vaccines provide up to 95 per cent protection (seven to 10 days after the second dose).
Although it was a relatively simple decision for me, I acknowledge that vaccine confidence can be challenging among our community members, and I want to honour the historical reasons and trauma that have contributed to this.
With this in mind, I want to reassure you that at the FNHA, we are you, we work for you, and we are here to help — not harm — you and all Indigenous people living in BC. Many of our employees, like me, are members of First Nations communities, and I am confident that we aim to place our communities’ health and wellness needs and safety at the forefront of any decision we make.
