National Inuit women's org urges Inuit to get COVID-19 shot, citing increased risks

National organization Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canadais calling on Inuit women and families across Canada to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Speaking from her home in Baker Lake, Nunavut, Pauktuutit's presidentRebecca Kudloo says she has already received two doses of the Moderna vaccine.

Kudloo says she is happy that Inuit across the country have had access to at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to date.

But Kudloo says Inuit continue to face systemic racism in the health-care system and have many reasons to be hesitant about getting the COVID-19 shot.

Connie Siedule, executive director of Ottawa's Akausivik Inuit family health clinic, says life expectancy for Inuit is 10 to 17 years shorter than the general population.

Siedule says Inuit living in urban centres face serious health risksrelated to COVID-19 and she is urging Inuit to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2021.