An initiative to vaccinate homeless people in the Central Okanagan is underway. Last week, some in the Kelowna community were offered their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, only about 20 of the 110 people who stayed in the Gospel Mission accommodations on Leon Avenue and Doyle Avenue agreed to be vaccinated. More than 80 percent rejected the offer.
On Thursday morning (March 4), Kelowna Gospel Mission executive director Carmen Rempel received a message from her Doyle Shelter manager saying that Interior Health nurses were on her doorstep vaccinating staff and the homeless.
An hour and a half later they were at the Mission’s doorstep on Leon Avenue. During this time Rempel was able to bring some of its employees and residents together.
Rempel believes this was coupled with an already suspicious view of the animal shelter community about vaccinations.
“Many of our residents were simply taken by surprise and were not ready to do it that day. And if you’re surprised, the default position is no. And that’s just human nature for all of us, ”she said.
In addition, she stated that many of the people who live in the shelter suffer from mental health problems such as paranoia and anxiety. Others have a PTSD that is tied to mental health facilities; the mere sight of a nurse or doctor can make them feel anxious.
“Many believed that the vaccine was unsafe and that COVID was a conspiracy rather than a threat. So they said no, thank you. “
Despite a difficult start, Rempel thanked the health department warmly.
“I understand this job is extremely difficult and I understand that they were notified on Wednesday evening that they would start introducing vaccinations in animal shelters on Thursday morning.”
Both the health department and the local animal shelters will face a major challenge in the future when it comes to vaccinations.
Rempel reached out to her friends in Vancouver, who, faced with similar challenges, developed an incentive program that offered residents cash or gift cards in return for attending a presentation about vaccines.
The key, she said, is education.
“Sometimes people just need this personal conversation to talk it over and make the decision,” said Rempel.
IH and the Gospel Mission are already planning how to vaccinate the rest of their staff and educate residents so that more sign up when IH returns.
Do you have anything else to add to this story, or should we tell you something else? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
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Coronavirus Housing and Homelessness
