The Intensifying Threat of COVID-19 Among First Nations People of Australia

Abstract

Australia reached a tragic milestone on August 29, 2021, with the first COVID-19 death among the First Nations people. Since then, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has infected First Nations people at twice the rate of other Australians. By mid-October 2021, there were an additional 12 deaths, more than 4500 cases, and 550 hospitalized among the First Nations people. 1 A major concern is that Australia's states and territories will emerge from lockdown, with the expected surge in cases, when only 47% of Indigenous people (Ն16 years old) have received 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine (vs 74% of the general population). 2

The effectiveness of strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

“…We identified 18 peer reviewed articles: 10 were commentaries (1-10) and 8 were empirical studies using cohort, cross-sectional, or qualitative methods (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). A further 8 grey literature documents were identified (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) and 37 promotional materials. As the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination is a relatively recent phenomenon, not all articles reviewed have an evaluative component.…”

“…In these communities, a decentralised tribal control of the vaccination roll-out resulting in greater community engagement and where cultural values were infused in campaigns. The grey literature and agency reports identified the importance of vaccination campaigns designed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (23). These campaigns were communicated by local Aboriginal health workers and local vaccination champions.…”

“…• Make services convenient and culturally respectful: Case studies showed that hesitancy may have a greater impact on uptake when there are many practical barriers to overcome (9). Logistical issues were managed through ensuring reliable supply of vaccines, an adequately trained workforce to carry out vaccination in the community, and having a service that is accessible and not prohibitive to get to (1,20,23). Vaccine delivery needs be managed in a culturally safe way.…”

“…• Support the Aboriginal workforce: the literature emphasised the importance of having Aboriginal health workers and practitioners lead the campaigns and consultations, even if the administration of vaccines was not undertaken by these workers (15,22,23).…”