Manitoba has begun shipping the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to First Nations communities as of last week.

MKO issued a statement on behalf of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, one of the communities to receive the vaccine on Thursday.

Chief David Monias says the first batch is designated to Elders aged 70 and older, Elders in care homes, and staff working in the Elder’s home, totaling 199 vaccines.

The community has less than 30 days to administer the vaccine to those eligible, and if there are people who refused the vaccine, doses will then be offered to those ages 69.

The province announced on Wednesday that First Nations communities across Manitoba would receive 53 hundred doses of the vaccine.