By Tawnya Plain Eagle

The substantial cutbacks of the Pfizer vaccine over the coming weeks has directly effected Piikani Nations roll out plan to get members vaccinated. 

The announcement came from Permier Jason Kenney on January 15, stating that 20 to 80 percent of shipments of the Pfizer vaccine will be cut over the next few weeks.

First Nation communities were originally prioritized in Phase 1 of the vaccine roll-out, but due to delays caused by the vaccine manufacturer and a lack of supply from the Federal government, the rollout to First Nations communities has been delayed.

“Aakom-Kiyii Health Services is in constant conversation with Alberta Health Services to get it as soon as possible. We don’t have a timeline of when that will be,” said Dustin Wolfe, Director of Aakom-Kiyii Health Services. 

According to a statement issued from Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations, Canada is now receiving less vaccines than other countries. 

“The Alberta government recognizes that First Nations are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

He adds that once the vaccine becomes available they will be distributing the vaccine as quickly as possible.

Aakom-Kiyii Health Services will provide an update to the community when information is available .