We are inviting the Calgary + Edmonton and Manitoba + Saskatchewan Departments of Pediatrics to join in a fundraising challenge that reaches across provincial borders. This January and February, make your Chill-o-meter rise—prove the prairie provinces are the chilliest and help to fight COVID-19 around the world!

As pediatricians/pediatric subspecialists, we know that one of medicine’s single most effective interventions is vaccination. We have had the great privilege to benefit from not just first and second, but also third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, we have an opportunity to use our collective voices to advocate for global vaccine delivery.  

 As of February 7, 89% of Canadians 5 years of age and older had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and almost 84% were fully vaccinated (1). In contrast,  about 10% of people in low-income countries had received a single dose (2). As of late October, it appeared that large regions of the world would not reach 60-70% adult vaccination coverage until 2023 or later (3). COVAX aims to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for people in all countries, with UNICEF as a key delivery partner (4, 5).

We know that the only way through this pandemic is together. Global vaccination is an urgent matter of both equity and self-interest. Let’s come together and #GiveAVax now.

For the months of January and February, each week’s winning team may choose the Zoom background for the other’s department head to display at grand rounds. This could be your hospital’s logo, your hockey team colours, or whatever (appropriate) background you choose.

The duel runs until February 28, 2022.

Note: Donations made directly to UNICEF via this online fundraising page will automatically generate a tax receipt.