Siksika Immunization Clinics

Siksika Health Services will be offering immunization at the Siksika Sportsplex, gym side from March 15-19, 2021 for any Siksika Nation members, residents and staff 65 years and over, who were immunized on or prior to February 19, 2021 and who wish to get their second dose.

For those 65 and over who choose to wait for their second dose so that others can be immunized, and for all others immunized with their first dose after Feb 19, current evidence shows a high level of protection against symptomatic and severe COVID19 disease for at least 2 months after immunization and likely longer.

There will be second doses for anyone 65+ who opt to delay their second doses so others can get a dose of vaccine. If individuals 65+ change their mind before the 4 month mark they can contact Siksika Health Services to arrange their second dose. Everyone under 65 who has received one dose may have to wait up to 4 months to receive their second dose.

Additional vaccine supply is expected later this month or in early April. As soon as vaccine becomes available, Siksika Health Services will begin offering immunization to age groups younger than 65, individuals with certain chronic conditions, and to essential service workers.

On-Reserve Immunization Clinic 65+

  • A COVID-19 immunization clinic will be set up for the second doses for Siksika Nation member 65 years of age and older at the Deerfoot Sportsplex gym side from March 15-19, 2021.
  • The immunization clinic will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm, from Monday March 15 to Friday, March 19. There is NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED.
  • COVID-19 immunizations are also available for these age groups at the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre, by appointment. Please call the Siksika Clinic at 403-734-5690 to book.
  • This clinic is for those 65+ who received their first dose prior to February 19, 2021.

On-Reserve Immunization Clinic 50+

  • A COVID-19 immunization clinic will be set up for first doses for Siksika Nation member 50 years of age and older at the Deerfoot Sportsplex gym side from March 22-26, 2021.
  • The immunization clinic will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm, from Monday March 15 to Friday, March 19. There is NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED.
  • COVID-19 immunizations are also available for these age groups at the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre, by appointment. Please call the Siksika Clinic at 403-734-5690 to book.

Vaccine First and Second Dose Intervals

NACI recommended that to best protect communities, more individuals should receive their first dose of the vaccine.

Extending the dose interval up to four months allows Siksika Health to protect more Siksikawa within a short timeframe. Siksika will be acquiring additional COVID-19 vaccines throughout March and April, and there will be enough vaccine for second doses when Nation members are able to receive their second dose.

You should contact your family doctor in advance to discuss whether you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding;
  • You have a bleeding disorder; or
  • You have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or you 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). You can also order replacement cards at most registry offices in Alberta.

Transportation

Due to the need to maintain COVID-19 precautions, the number of people allowed into the building at any time will be limited. Anyone entering the building should also be masked at all times. Please make sure you have proper transportation and please be prepared to wait in your vehicle until it is your appointment time. If assistance is required, one additional adult from the same family or caregiver bubble will be permitted to escort and assist the person being immunized.

About the COVID Vaccine

Building up immunity takes time. It is not known yet how long it will take to achieve community immunity, so until that time it is important to continue following public health guidance, such as wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing.

Expected side effects

All immunizations can cause some side effects, because they stimulate the immune system. Most side effects like aches and pains, fever, headache, feeling very tired or weakness go away after a few days.

  • Mild side effects are expected. A second dose is still required to get the best protection.
  • Everyones experience with getting the COVID-19 vaccine may be different; just because one person experiences certain side effects does not necessarily mean that another person will as well.

Getting vaccinated is a personal choice. Vaccination is a choice you should make to protect yourself, your family and community.

Siksika Health Services is committed to providing ongoing comprehensive healthcare during this time, including making the COVID-19 vaccine available in the community as soon as safely possible.