All Six Nations adults can now get Moderna vaccine

Six Nations Health Services hopes a flood of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to the reserve will lead to a flood of residents booking vaccine appointments.

On Sunday, Six Nations Elected Council said all band members 18 years old and over can now get the vaccine after 6,000 doses arrived over the weekend.

Band members can book online at sixnationscovid19.ca or by calling 226-227-9288.

Elected council had approved a priority matrix" for doling out vaccines but said Sunday the size of the recent shipment means everyone who wants the vaccine is welcome to book now.

While the vaccine is not mandatory, getting vaccinated is highly recommended for adults," council said in a statement.

Gaylord Powless Arena in Ohsweken will be used as a mass vaccination clinic, along with Emily C. General Elementary School.

Six Nations recently lowered its COVID-19 alert level from black - the most restrictive - to orange after a weeks-long surge in cases slowed.

As of Friday - the last date public health provided an update - there were 11 active cases on the reserve, with two patients in hospital and 58 in self-isolation.

As recently as March 1, public health had been monitoring 116 active cases.

Since the pandemic began, 437 Six Nations members have tested positive, and eight have died of COVID-19.

Some 1,133 band members have received at least one dose of vaccine, with 128 fully vaccinated and 588 shots booked.

Two cases of more contagious variants of concern have been confirmed on the territory.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about the regions of Haldimand and Norfolk.