Building Vaccine Trust in Indigenous Communities: Strategies for Respiratory Disease Prevention
Season 7 – Episode 3
with Amy Lamb & Mike Boivin
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Vaccination remains one of the most important tools for preventing severe respiratory infections. In this episode of the eXpand Podcast, pharmacists Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb explore vaccination strategies in Indigenous communities and the importance of culturally safe healthcare approaches.
About this episode
This episode focuses on vaccines as a key strategy to reduce the burden of respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal disease.
Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb discuss the realities of vaccine delivery in remote communities, including logistical challenges and the importance of culturally respectful engagement. The conversation highlights how trust, partnership, and community leadership are essential for effective vaccination initiatives.
Today you will learn
- Why vaccines play a central role in preventing severe respiratory infections
- Which vaccines are commonly recommended for high-risk populations
- Challenges related to vaccine distribution in remote communities
- Why culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches matter in vaccination discussions
- How community engagement and local partnerships support vaccine uptake
- Practical strategies for healthcare professionals working in community settings
Our special guest
Amy Lamb is a Métis pharmacist committed to advancing equitable healthcare delivery through community engagement and culturally respectful practice.
In this episode, she joins pharmacist Mike Boivin to discuss the practical realities of vaccination programs and how healthcare providers can support trust-based approaches to vaccine conversations.
Resources to go Deeper
General Indigenous-Led Resources (COVID-19, Flu, RSV)
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH): The NCCIH provides extensive resources, including webinars, videos, and fact sheets on vaccine confidence, mental health, and infectious disease prevention tailored for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
- Maad’ookiing Mshkiki | Sharing Medicine: A community-led initiative providing timely, accurate, and culturally relevant information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.
- We Matter: An Indigenous-led initiative providing support and resources to Indigenous youth regarding mental health and coping during the pandemic.
- Talk4Healing: A confidential, culturally safe helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario, available in 14 languages.
First Nations-Led Resources (FNHA & Others)
- First Nations Health Authority (BC): The FNHA provides comprehensive guidance for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Respiratory Illness Page: Protecting Wellness During Respiratory Illness Season
- RSV Resources: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
- COVID-19 Guide: A Guide to COVID-19 (PDF)
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Offers webinars, fact sheets, and tools focusing on safety and community wellness.
Métis-Led Resources
- Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): The MNO has led studies on vaccine behaviour and provides resources for its citizens, including the Virtual Care Program.
- Vaccine Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Behavior Community Report
- Health Initiatives: MNO Virtual Care Program
- Métis National Council (MNC): Provides information on support for Métis citizens.
Inuit-Led Resources (ITK)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK): ITK provides COVID-19 and health resources tailored for Inuit Nunangat, including info on federal benefits and safety infographics.
- Main Projects Page: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami COVID-19 Projects
- Infographics: COVID-19 Infographics
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI): Offers urban services, counseling, and food security resources for Inuit in Ontario.
Vaccine Hesitancy & Cultural Safety Resources
- NCCIH/NCCID Vaccine Confidence Resources: Fact sheets and guides for Indigenous peoples and professionals, available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
- Vaccine Mistrust Report: A document discussing the colonial origins of vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous peoples.
- Webinar on Vaccine Hesitancy: A session featuring Dr. Sarah Funnell, a First Nations Family Physician, discussing challenges and strategies for vaccine uptake.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Pfizer to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to COVID-19.
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of organizations committed to improving patient care:
Educational disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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