Siksika Health Services has received confirmation that the next shipment of COVID-19 vaccine is expected during the second week of February. This shipment will allow Siksika Health Services to expand the immunization program to elders in our community.

People who are 75 years of age and older will be immunized first, then those over 65 years of age, as more vaccine supply becomes available.

At this time, Siksika is working with other partners on plans to immunize Nation members who live off-reserve. More concrete information on location, dates and transportation support will be shared in the coming weeks. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, please call the COVID Call Line at 403-734-5706.

First Nations have been recognized as a priority population for COVID-19 immunization by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. We are pleased to see that a safe and effective vaccine has been developed so quickly and made available to our most vulnerable Nation members and their care providers. Siksika Health Services continues to plan for a staged roll-out of additional immunizations to other priority groups in the near future.

Now is the time for Nation members to start preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine.

You should contact your family doctor in advance about the COVID-19 vaccine if:

  • They are pregnant or breastfeeding;
  • They have a bleeding disorder; or
  • They have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or they are on prednisone or biologic injections.

Alberta Health Care Card

All individuals who are being immunized will need an Alberta Health Care Card. If you have lost your personal health care card, or it has been damaged, call the AHCIP office at 780-427-1432, or toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta) to order a replacement card. Office hours are 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays).

Transportation

Due to the specific requirements of the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important that Nation members who are contacted to receive the vaccine have proper transportation to and from the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre, or Immunization clinic that may be set up at the Deerfoot Sportsplex. Siksika Health Services has started planning the logistics of offering transportation to those who do not have access to a vehicle or driver, however it is important that individuals first seek family and caregivers for this service to ensure proper COVID-19 measures are followed.