WINNIPEG - Cases of the swine flu vaccine are being rushed out to Manitoba's hardest hit reserves, but one of the province's grand chiefs says some of the most vulnerable aren't interested in participating in Canada's largest immunization campaign.
David Harper, who represents Manitoba's northern reserves, says some aboriginals feel the H1N1 vaccine has been rushed, while others prefer to rely on traditional medicine.
"There are some that are reluctant," he said Thursday. "They need more information ... There are some that are steadily going toward traditional medicine. There are certain medicines that can help you. That will not stop it, but it will strengthen your immune system."
Hundreds of volunteer health-care workers are being mobilized and massive flu clinics are being scheduled to immunize around 64,000 aboriginal residents in northern Manitoba. Those living in the remote, fly-in communities are considered to be a top priority for the vaccine because of their vulnerability to the virus.
A disproportionate number of aboriginals in northern Manitoba communities ended up on ventilators in intensive care when the flu first hit last spring. Many patients were airlifted from a cluster of northern First Nations reserves where there are fewer than 10,000 residents.
While some who were touched by the illness in the spring will likely get the jab, Harper said other people still aren't convinced about the virtues of the swine flu vaccine.
Northern chiefs aren't pushing people to get immunized but are trying to promote good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and cleanliness, Harper said. But that can be difficult when dozens of people share a house with little running water.
Health officials are strongly urging virtually everyone in Canada to get vaccinated, giving priority to aboriginals who were hit hard by the virus in the spring. The vaccine is being shipped to communities now with clinics likely starting next week.
Health Canada couldn't immediately provide someone on Thursday to give details on how the vaccine was being rolled out in remote communities or what is being done to educate aboriginals about the vaccine.
Grand Chief Ron Evans, with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said he's planning on getting the vaccine and hopes others will do the same.
"The safer bet is to take it," Evans said. "That's what we're going to encourage our communities to do. The consequences of not taking it could be devastating."
Although it's a massive operation, Evans said he expects those who want to be vaccinated will be within a few weeks. But he said it's up to each individual whether to get the vaccine or follow traditional healing methods.
"There are those who will follow the traditional way. There is no question about that," Evans said. "That option is there."
