McMaster-led study seeks to understand COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous populations

Six Nations of the Grand River has regularly reported among the highest per capita COVID-19 rates in Ontario. Fifteen band members have died of COVID since the pandemic began, and four are currently in hospital among 42 active cases.

Yet more than half the population is not fully vaccinated against the disease.

A new study out of McMaster University aims to find out why vaccine hesitancy persists in some Indigenous communities.

First Nations peoples face historical, colonial and racist policies that influence their health status today in Canada," said Dr. Sonia Anand, professor of medicine at McMaster and senior scientist with the Population Health Research Institute.

This is an important study because many First Nations want research data from their own communities and being partners in such research can increase trust in research and COVID-19 vaccines."

In partnership with three First Nations communities, researchers will also assess immune response and health outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination.

Six Nations Health Services has launched information campaigns to address myths and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine while educating band members about its life-saving benefits.

Collaborating to conduct this investigation of COVID-19 immune responses and vaccine hesitancy within our territory will help establish important and crucial COVID-19 data," said director Lori Davis Hill.

These will in turn assist us in providing the proper support to community members and will help with the continued fight against COVID-19."

Anand said more than 400 of the desired 1,200 Six Nations participants have been recruited through canvassing at vaccine clinics and word-of-mouth referrals.

First Nations communities were prioritized for early vaccination due to Indigenous residents being at higher risk of serious illness and death due to COVID-19. According to a recent report from Indigenous Services Canada, the COVID-19 rate among Indigenous residents was more than four times higher than the Canadian average.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com