Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 has ended.
After nearly 200 vaccine clinics in 29 remote and isolated indigenous communities, Indigenous Services Canada announced that Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 (ORI 3.0) would be ending.
Indigenous Services Canada partnered with Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) to provide first, second and third (booster) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including pediatric doses. Flu clinics were also available at select sites.
The final vaccine clinic for the WAHA took place on February 11, 2022, and the final clinic for SLFNHA took place on February 21, 2022.
According to Indigenous Services Canada, approximately 9,700 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered between November 2021 and February 2022 because of ORI 3.0.
"I am grateful to see that Operation Remote Immunity 3.0 was successful in achieving its objectives, but also in doing so with such strong collaboration with partners to make it happen. In all, almost 200 vaccine clinics were coordinated, supporting 29 remote and isolated First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, administering approximately 9,700 doses,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.
She added “Vaccines continue to be one of our strongest tools in our fight against COVID-19 to keep ourselves and those around us safe and healthy. Thank you to everyone involved in this operation and to everyone who got their shots."
"We are very proud of the success of ORI3 and all phases of Operation Remote Immunity to protect our communities throughout this pandemic. Meegwetch to all our partners including the federal and provincial governments, regional health authorities, Ornge and the Canadian Rangers for their collaborative work with community leadership and local pandemic teams,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief, Derek Fox.
“Vaccination is our best defence against COVID-19, and I am encouraged by the number of NAN members, especially our young citizens, who are protecting others by protecting themselves,” he concluded.