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Our number one priority is, and always has been, the health and wellness of our community. Splatsin is committed to ensuring vital member services and programs continue during the pandemic. The Secwepemc Nation is currently under a declaration of a State of Emergency.
Vaccine clinics for ages 18+ (Moderna) were held at the Splatsin Community Centre in March (first dose) and June (second dose) 2021 by appointment. The Pfizer vaccine approved for children ages 12-17 is now available at the Splatsin Health Centre by appointment only. If you are living off-reserve and would like to receive your vaccine, book or drop in at one of the mobile clinics HERE.
What is the COVID-19 vaccine?Vaccines are products that produce immunity to specific viruses like COVID-19. Having immunity to COVID-19 means you won’t become sick if you come into contact with it.
When did the vaccine arrive in our community?Friday, March 12. Vaccine clinics for the first doses were held on-reserve from March 13 to April 6. The second dose is expected to arrive in early June.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?All community members living on-reserve and off-reserve nearby ages 18 & up are eligible to receive their first or second dose of the vaccine. To honour and respect our elders, we will be immunizing them first. After this, we will follow the public health guidelines to prioritize the rest of those wanting to be immunized. If you add your name to the list, you will be called when you are eligible.
Who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?Certain people who have other medical conditions; who are pregnant or are breastfeeding; and who have allergies without a known case should speak to their doctor or a Splatsin Community Nurse. In almost every situation, it is safer to receive the vaccine than to get COVID-19.
How is the COVID-19 vaccine given?The vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection (needle) into the arm.
Are there side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?Common reactions to most vaccines may include tiredness, headache, fever, chills, muscle or joint soreness. These side effects may be present for 1-2 days. Serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine were not seen in clinical trials.
Why is it important to get the vaccine?The Moderna vaccine is up to 92% effective after the first dose and up to 95% after the second dose. The COVID-19 vaccine will also help protect everyone around you, too. The more people in a community who are vaccinated, the harder it is for the virus to spread and mutate. This is called “herd immunity“ or “community immunity”.
Reduced access to stable housing, income, clean water and/or health and social services place some Indigenous peoples at higher risk of COVID-19. The vaccine is one way that Indigenous (and other) people can protect themselves from this virus.
Once enough people are immunized, we hope to be able to return to activities that haven’t been possible during the pandemic
If I get immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to keep practising preventative measures?Yes. Until most people in the world are vaccinated, you need to continue following the latest provincial health orders.
When will children be able to get their vaccine?The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for children ages 12-17 and we expect to receive it soon.
Your children have two options to receive the vaccine:
Trials of the Pfizer vaccine prove its 100% effectiveness against COVID-19 for youth. Under the Infants Act, youth age 12+ can consent to receive medical treatment without their parents’ approval as long as the healthcare provider has determined that the treatment is in the youth’s best interest and the youth understands the details of treatment, including risks and benefits. You also have the right to refuse treatment. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have this discussion with their children.
Splatsin Health Services is available to answer questions about the vaccine and your health during the week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (250) 838-9538 to speak with a nurse or to book an appointment to visit in person. In almost all cases, it is safer to get the vaccine than to get COVID-19.
Staff Schedules
Staff at Splatsin continue to work effectively and healthily from both our offices and at home. This is an effort to reduce the number of people in facilities at the same time and help protect the community against COVID-19. The following protocols are currently in place.
Appointments
All visits to any Splatsin facilities are by appointment only. If you would like to make an appointment, call the Band Reception at (250) 838-6496 or visit the staff contact page.
Upon arrival at Splatsin facilities, visitors be prompted to sign a contract tracing form. Visitors also need to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer before entering a building. If you are sick, stay home and call the Splatsin Health Centre and speak to a Community Nurse. Do not visit Splatsin facilities when you are sick.
Many services and programs are still possible over the phone or other communication technology. This is the preferred method whenever possible.
Splatsin continues to deliver most services and programs during the pandemic. To see recommendations and changes, choose one of the topics below.
The Secwepemc Nation is encouraging everyone to learn about COVID-19 and what you can do to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Face: Don’t touch itFeet: Stay 6 feet from people outside of your homeCough: Into your elbowHands: Wash them with soap and water oftenSick?: Stay home and call the Splatsin Health Centre