Tribal nations providing vaccines to non-Native Oklahoman residents

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It is undeniable the tribal nations who share jurisdiction with Oklahoma are responsible for the soaring administered vaccine numbers. While Governor Kevin Stitt maintains his science denying, “pro-life” stance, tribal governments have been flying through vaccine appointments at record speed.

If you are still waiting for your phase to open through the state, here are some other options to consider.

Cherokee Nation – Northeastern Oklahoma

The Cherokee Nation has opened up COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to any person living within their reservation boundaries. In a recent release, Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said, “By protecting everyone living within the boundaries of our reservation, we are protecting our citizens, our culture, our language, our family and our neighbors. That’s the Cherokee way to help each other.”

From the release, “For the non-Native public needing a vaccine, they must make a chart for an appointment and have an address in the 14-county reservation. To make a chart, click here. Vaccinations are being administered by appointment only. Walk-ins are not available at this time. The Cherokee Nation also offers evening appointments at all health centers every Thursday until 7 p.m. in the month of March.” The reservation includes all or parts of 14 counties, including Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, and Washington.

Chickasaw Nation – South-Central Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Nation has opened COVID-19 vaccine appointments up to any Oklahoma resident. The tribal nation now offers vaccines at their Chickasaw Nation Emergency Operations Facility in Ada, Okla. Vaccine appointments are also available at the Chickasaw Nation health clinics in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo.

Individuals who have received their first vaccine dose with another health care organization are strongly encouraged to complete their second dose with the same organization. Vaccine recipients must be at least 16-years-old to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. And they must be 18-years-old if receiving the Moderna vaccine or Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. Make your appointment online here.

Indian Health Services – Oklahoma City Area

In a recent announcement, the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Services confirmed they now offer COVID-19 vaccine appointments to “eligible American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Moreover, the announcement included non-Native household members and caregivers, who are 16 years of age and older. (Claremore and Wewoka minimum age is 18).

Those needing vaccines will find them at Claremore Indian Hospital and Clinton Indian Health Service. Others include Haskell Indian Health Service, Lawton Indian Hospital, Pawnee Indian Health Service and Wewoka Indian Health Service. More information here.