CIFAL York, Y-EMERGE, ADERSIM, and Mathematics for Public Health, Fields Institute are very pleased to host the first Vaccine for First Nations and Remote Communities Symposium.

The Symposium aims to address the unique challenges and lessons learned surrounding mass vaccination in First Nations and remote communities. Considering unique conditions of these communities, mass vaccination had its unique challenges and successes.

This symposium is a knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking event that brings together healthcare professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss strategies for improving mass vaccination policy, planning, and practice. Through collaboration and shared insights, we seek to build a more resilient healthcare framework that meets the specific needs of First Nations and remote communities in Canada.

The key goals and objectives of the symposium are to:

• Explore and develop strategies for overcoming logistical challenges of mass vaccination in remote and First Nations communities.
• Provide a platform for sharing successful vaccine programs, research, and case studies, allowing communities to learn from each other’s experiences.
• Understanding mathematical and computer models and simulations of mass vaccination for remote and indigenous communities.
• Foster dialogue between healthcare professionals and community leaders, focusing on culturally sensitive approaches to mass vaccination following major pandemic.
• Identify policies and practices that ensure vaccine equity. Ensuring that all populations have the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate healthcare services.
• Examine the public health issues unique to remote and First Nations communities, including infrastructure limitations, and propose solutions to mitigate these barriers.
• Contribute to the development of public health policies and frameworks that respect the autonomy and cultural values of First Nations and remote communities for Mass Vaccination.

More information on the event's schedule and registration can be found here.