An elder was the first resident of Nunatsiavut to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Willie Ford received the vaccine this morning in Makkovik.

There are heightened fears in Labrador about the potential spread of COVID-19 as communities are relatively isolated and access to health care is limited.

A shipment of the Moderna vaccine, which does not require the same super cold storage as the Pfizer vaccine, arrived in Labrador over a week ago.

Nunatsiavut is starting vaccinations this week, while the Innu Nation is beginning its program next week.

NunatuKavut is co-ordinating with Labrador-Grenfell Health for vaccinations in Black Tickle and Norman’s Cove.