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Tribal Health Services Reports 65.5% Vaccination Rate

AKWESASNE — Since the last reported tribal vaccination rate of 55.1% on November 5th, the Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services has had a busy month helping people get vaccinated. As a result of their efforts, as well as those individuals who have chosen to get the vaccine, Health Services is proud to report a significant jump in the vaccine rate -- now 65.5%. A huge Niawen:kowa/Thank you very much for everyone’s efforts in helping keep our community safe against COVID-19.

An additional 1,177 vaccinations have been administered since November 5th for a total of 10,477 total vaccinations: which includes 4,881 first shots; 4,518 second shots; and 1,048 third shots (or Booster shots). The Booster shots are currently being provided to individuals 18 years or more, while the initial two shot series of the Pfizer vaccine is now available for children as young as 5-years old.

In comparison to surrounding counties, Health Service’s efforts in achieving a 65.5% vaccination rate leads neighboring counties in fully vaccinated individuals ages 5-years old or more; with Franklin County reporting 63.7% and St Lawrence County at 28.3% (according to CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker). Appreciation is extended to those who have chosen to stay safe from severe illness due to COVID-19, as well as to protect their loved ones and the overall community.

With the 65.5% vaccination rate, Health Services will conduct a drawing for reaching another 5% vaccine milestone. Five (5) names will be drawn by Health Services for reaching each the 60% and 65% milestones at the Wednesday, December 15th vaccine clinic. In all, ten (10) individuals will win $1,000 each for choosing to be vaccinated to protect themselves and those they love.

Health Services is holding more Pediatric Pfizer Vaccination Clinics for kids ages 5 to 11-years old at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37. The vaccine clinics are for Akwesasne or tribally enrolled children and will be held on Tuesday, December 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, December 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will be a walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142.

With the exception of December 22nd, Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding an Open Walk-in Vaccine Clinic every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the former-IGA Building, located at 850 State Route 37. Individuals 12-years old or more can attend to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Booster shots are also available for 18+ and must be received no sooner than six (6) months after the initial two-shot series.

The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available during scheduled medical appointments at Health Services and from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne. 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.

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