Pexels brotin biswas 518543

SRMT Reports 47.8% Vaccination Rate Amidst Rising Cases

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services reported a slight increase this week in the vaccination rate under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. Ninety (90) COVID-19 vaccinations were administered over the past week, bringing the vaccination rate to 47.8%. There remains 52.2% of eligible community members; or approximately 4,121 individuals, who are unvaccinated and susceptible to developing severe illness that may require hospitalization due to the more contagious Delta Variant.

The tribal vaccination rate of 47.8% is falling further behind the neighboring counties of Franklin and St. Lawrence. Franklin County reported 61.3% of eligible residents ages 12 years or more are now fully vaccinated, while St. Lawrence County reported 58.9% of eligible residents are now protected against the likelihood of severe illness and possibly death due to COVID-19. (based on data from CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker as of September 1, 2021).

As a reminder, all individuals are required to properly wear a mask in all public places within the Tribe’s jurisdiction, including at local businesses and workplaces. When properly worn over the mouth and nose, masks prevent you from contracting and developing a severe illness from COVID-19. Masks also protect those you love by preventing it from being transmitted to children, elders, and those with immunocompromised medical conditions. Please mask up and stop the spread!

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:

Individuals who are unvaccinated are highly encouraged to attend the Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic being held every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building in Akwesasne. The vaccine clinic is open to anyone ages 12-years old or more, with a parent/guardian presence required for minors. This is the only time for walk-in vaccinations. To receive a COVID-19 vaccination directly at Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services, individuals are asked to please schedule an appointment by calling the tribal clinic at (518) 358-3141.

The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne and can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233. Community members who receive vaccinations outside of Akwesasne are asked to please call the Tribe’s Outreach Program at (518) 333-0230 to have it documented with the tribal clinic. Documenting vaccinations locally is an important way to help track and build community immunity.

Those who are 18 years or more and choose to get vaccinated will receive a $100 gift certificate from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. The gift certificates are being provided to tribal members and employees of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, or tribal enterprises for each dose received. The gift certificates can be redeemed at the casino for cash, while individuals under 18 years will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.

The casino gift certificates and Walmart gift card will be provided for new vaccinations only. Individuals who previously received the COVID-19 Vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at two vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and 60%.

Age Group

Prime Shots

Booster Shots

Total Vaccinations

Population

% Fully Vaccinated

% Not Vaccinated

12-15yrs

157

116

273

585

19.8%

80.5%

16-17yrs

155

128

283

282

45.4%

54.6%

18yrs+

3,783

3,529

7,312

7,027

50.2%

49.8%

Totals

4,095

3,773

7,868

7,894

47.8%

52.2%

#####