Understanding the System of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Indigenous Communities of the James and Hudson Bay Region of Northern Ontario: A Study of Leadership and Healthcare Provider Perspectives
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Authors
Vey, Trinity
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Public Health , Indigenous Health , Northern Ontario , COVID-19 Vaccination , Thematic Analysis
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Abstract
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) services 6 communities in the James and Hudson Bay region of Northern Ontario: Moosonee, Moose Factory, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, and Peawanuck. The WAHA collaborated with a multitude of provincial and federal partners to organize phased COVID-19 vaccine rollouts through “Operation Remote Immunity”. There is a lack of information regarding the coordination of clinics in these communities. This thesis investigated the perspectives of leadership and healthcare providers regarding COVID-19 vaccination for communities serviced by the WAHA. The main objectives of this study were to describe the system of vaccination, identify systemic barriers and facilitators to vaccination, and define priorities for improvement within community healthcare systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants who were involved in the vaccination and pandemic response for these communities. Interview data was analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis. The results showed that leveraging local leadership, collaboration, community-minded approaches, and connection to the land strengthened the pandemic response and vaccination system. However, a lack of health human resources, disjointed communication, urgency and panic, differences among the communities in the region, and context-specific challenges to providing proof of vaccination presented the largest barriers encountered by participants. The findings from this study will be useful in the post-pandemic period and for future public health emergencies.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 3.0 United States