Vaccine outreach efforts must meet people where they are

HALIFAX -- As the province prepares to transition to Phase 5 of the reopening plan, the Conservative government must undertake all possible outreach efforts to get as many people vaccinated as possible.

“We know there is a small group of people who oppose vaccinations, but there are thousands of others, also, who haven’t yet got the shot. We need to find out what barriers people are facing and provide the support necessary to remove them,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “The people of Nova Scotia have done so much to support each other throughout the pandemic and now we must provide support again to ensure all those who can, are able to get the vaccine.”

Directed outreach to specific geographic and cultural communities, age groups, and professions has been done in other jurisdictions. This could include school-based vaccinations and pop-up community clinics on university campuses, at large employers, or in popular public places.

“Public health should be given every resource necessary to reach the most people possible,” said NDP Health and Wellness spokesperson Susan Leblanc. “We saw great success with community-based, mobile testing options, and the Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian community vaccine programs. We should continue with targeted vaccine outreach to ensure as many Nova Scotians as possible are vaccinated.”

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