We would like to notify our members that wait times for medical/transportation claims for reimbursement have increased from 8 to 12 weeks. To avoid unnecessary delays, please submit your reimbursement forms directly to any of our Qalipu Offices (Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, St. Georges, and Stephenville).

Calling one of our support specialists to inquire about your claim repayment will not change the previous stated process wait time of 8 to 12 weeks. Further updates will be released and communicated as soon as they are available! Claims and payments are continuously being issued and we are making every effort to keep wait times from rising further for you, our membership.

We would like to thank members for their continued support, patience, and understanding as our department of Health and Wellness processing a higher-than-normal volumes of medical transportation claims at this time

Following the closure of applications for the Residential Home Heat and Energy Rebate that was announced August 11, 2021 and ended on September 1, 2021 a total, near 1100 applications, were submitted by members.

Our Health and Wellness department would now like to let our members know that the Rebate Draw for the Program that occurred September 8th has neared the end of its process review. Successful applicants are beginning to be contacted and will continue throughout the upcoming week.

An extended thank you to all members who took the time to apply and we look forward to delivering further support programs to our members as they become available.

Notice for Medical Transportation As our staff continues to support clients with their medical transportation and reimbursement:

Please understand that in the event clients may have an emergency transportation situation that the process for the medical transportation program still falls under a notice of 3 to 7 business days. In the event of an emergency, claims and reimbursements still need to go through the process of approval under the same timeline of 3 to 7 business days.

Note that not all medical transportation is guaranteed to be approved under NIHB. Thank you for your understanding!

Did you know that all Qalipu Band members must send their Medical Travel Expense Claims to our office in Corner Brook? Many are sending to the Atlantic Office and this is causing delays – they are mailing the claims back to us.

Please help spread the word.

Find the claim form here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Transportation-Reimbursement-Form.pdf

The Act is a comprehensive reform of child and family services affirming the right of First Nations to exercise jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, including legislative authority and the right to administer and enforce these laws. The purpose of the Act is to affirm the rights of Indigenous governments and organizations to exercise jurisdiction over First Nation, Inuit and Métis child and family services.

Take our survey to contribute your thoughts (and enter a prize draw) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLZSH6B

Learn More Here: https://qalipu.ca/child-youth-family/

The meal allowance rate has been updated for NIHB eligible clients. Clients must have been approved for NIHB medical transportation benefits to access medically necessary health services that cannot be obtained in their community of residence. NIHB Clients are still required to submit the NIHB Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form.

The rates are in effect for the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year (April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022) for clients served by all NIHB Regions are:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Regular Rate (ages 4 to adult)	S15.00	$15.00	$30.00
Infant/Toddler Rate (0-3, inclusive)	$7.50	$7.50	15.00

 

There have been no changes made to the weekly meal allowance, it remains at $168 for a single traveller and $252 for a client and escort.   Private vehicle rates will remain the same at 0.215 cents a kilometer.

For the complete update on NIHB please visit:  ISC – NIHB Program Updates

Please be advised, priority registration for the Covid-19 vaccination is now available to Indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Qalipu Band members are invited to register through the provincial government websites fillable form linked here, or by calling 1-833-668-3930.

Locations for vaccination clinics will be determined as individuals register and health authorities gain a better understanding of demographics has been achieved.  The Band has advocated for mobile clinics to reach our more remote communities so that Band members will not have to travel long distances to receive the vaccination.

All Band members have access to priority registration however, appointments will be booked first for those aged 60+.

All are encouraged to receive this vaccination and take this important step toward reducing the spread and impact of the Covid-19 virus.

1. What is the difference in protection between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?

Currently the vaccine effectiveness is based on the clinical studies done for each vaccine before it was approved for use in Canada.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had 44 000 participants in their studies and was found to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 1 week after the second dose.

Moderna vaccine had 30 000 participant in their studies and was found to be 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 2 weeks after the second dose.

It is important to know that the vaccines are continuing to be studied as more doses are administered data is continued to be collected on adverse events and effectiveness.

 

2. Can you spread the virus after being vaccinated?

This is not yet known. What is known is that the vaccine prevents people from getting sick. It’s a possibility that someone may not get sick but could still pass it on to others. It is important to continue to practice wearing a mask, safe distancing and hand hygiene even after being vaccinated.

 

3. What are the side effects of the COVID vaccine?

The side effects to the COVID-19 Vaccine are similar to that of other vaccinations. Mostly these are mild side effects such as pain at the site of injection, body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish.  These sides effects are signs that the vaccine is working and firing up your immune system.

As with any vaccine, there is a chance of serious side effects, such as an anaphylactic reaction. Serious side effects are rare.

Any reactions following vaccination are reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. This is part of the ongoing safety monitoring process to ensure the vaccine continues to meet high safety standards.

 

4. If people have already been infected, can they still be vaccinated?

Yes, even if someone has recovered from COVID-19, they should still be vaccinated. As more variants of the virus continue to develop, there is risk of being re-infected with COVID-19.

 

5. What are the long term effects of the vaccine?

 Scientist continue to gather the data on the long term effects of the vaccine. The vaccine has not been in use for a long time, therefor this information is not yet known. What we do know is that the disease itself has long term effects. COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada continue to be monitored. Any adverse events following immunizations are reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

 

6. How safe is the vaccine?

Any vaccine used in Canada must first go through approvals. Canada is known world-wide for its high standards and rigorous reviews. All clinical studies are done prior to approval for use in Canada. Even after approval, these vaccines continue to be closely monitored as long as they are used in Canada.

Health Canada has put in place a fast-tracked review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Canada has dedicated more scientific resources to complete these reviews so that they’re done quickly but without cutting corners. This is made possible due to the global priority and collaboration to find effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines.

Below is an infographic and short video that illustrate this process.

Infographic:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines/development-approval-infographic.html

Short video:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/video/covid-19-how-vaccines-developed.html