AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is pleased to report that 68.7% of eligible residents have received their initial two-shot series of the COVID-19 vaccines as of January 2, 2022; with 24.3% of eligible community members having received the additional booster dose. The population includes individuals ages 18 years or more, as well as the 12 to 17-year-old age group who are now eligible to receive a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. We extend appreciation to everyone who has chosen to stay safe from severe illness and for their desire to protect our community.
In comparison to surrounding counties, Health Service’s efforts in achieving a 68.7% vaccination rate leads neighboring counties in fully vaccinated individuals ages 5-years old or more who have received their initial two shots; with Franklin County reporting 65.8% and St Lawrence County at 61.7% (according to CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker). For Booster Shots among individual ages 18 year or older however, the community is lagging at 30.1%; while Franklin reports 46.7% and St. Lawrence reports 49%. It indicates the need for community members to get their third shot to protect themselves and to prevent hospitalizations, which often has limited capacity.
To help encourage eligible individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Health Services is continuing to conduct a drawing at each 5% vaccine milestone. Five (5) names will be drawn to win $1,000 each for choosing to protect themselves and those they love. The next drawing will be held when the tribal vaccination rate reaches 70%, which will be aired live on Akwesasne TV’s Facebook page.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is holding a Pediatric Pfizer Vaccination Clinic for kids ages 5 to 11-years old at their main campus located at 404 State Route 37 on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be a walk-in clinic, but appointments are preferred by calling (518) 358-3142.
Health Services is also holding an Open Walk-in Vaccine Clinic on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 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 individuals ages 16 years or older 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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