Radio Script: Making COVID-19 Vaccines

Developed January 2021

Hello/Boozhoo listeners. This is ______________________________.
Before we talk about COVID-19 vaccines, a reminder about NAN Hope. NAN Hope
is a mental health and addictions support service for all NAN citizens. If you or
someone you know needs support, visit nanhope.ca or call
1-844-626-4673. That’s 1-844-626-4673. Now on to the rest of the broadcast.
It is true that the COVID-19 vaccines were created much faster than other
vaccines. There are three main reasons why researchers met with success so
quickly.
The first reason is need. COVID-19 is a serious illness. It has damaged the whole
world’s health. It has damaged our economies too. It has robbed us of our
traditional gatherings and way of life. Vaccine research was a priority for
everyone.
Researchers stopped everything else they were working on. They got funding and
had many volunteers for trials very fast.
The second reason is that we already had some useful research. The virus that
causes COVID-19 is new. But we have been looking at other viruses from the same
family for decades. As soon as researchers had data on the structure of this virus,
they were ready to begin working on a vaccine. They had lots of knowledge and
technology to help them.
The third reason is cooperation. Researchers worldwide shared their knowledge
and resources to help each other out. They also looked at the data as they went
along so that they could cut the wait time between trial stages.
The Moderna vaccine went through the same testing and approval process as all
the other vaccines we use. The difference is that there were more resources. It’s
like any project. The more people you have working on something, the less time it
takes.

1
From all the trials so far, there are no serious safety concerns about getting the
vaccine. But the trials did not include everyone, like children. So, until researchers
have more data, the focus is on giving the vaccine to people 18 years and older.
The first priorities are healthcare workers, long-term care workers, and older
adults. If you have questions about whether you should get the vaccine, chat with
your community health nurse.
Hopefully, this helped give you a sense of how the vaccines were made. If you
have more questions or concerns, please contact the nursing station or a member
of the community pandemic response team. It is important to be fully informed
and ready when the vaccine comes.
While you think about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, keep following the
community’s public health advice for staying safe. Things like washing our hands,
practicing physical distancing, and staying home when we’re unwell continue to
be so important to protect the community.
Stay informed with reliable sources to help promote health in the community.
Some good sources to follow are SLFNHA, Northwestern Health Unit, Thunder Bay
District Health Unit, Ontario Ministry of Health, and the Public Health Agency of
Canada.
And take time to process this new information. Speak with an Elder, community
leader, or member of the pandemic team. Reach out to a trusted health care
provider. Or use prayer to seek guidance.
Miigwetch for listening today and stay safe everyone.