COVID-19 Vaccines Given to Choctaw Nation Healthcare Workers

DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) has worked with Indian Health Services (IHS) to make COVID-19 vaccinations available to frontline healthcare workers. Choctaw Nation elders are scheduled to follow in early January 2021.

“The novel coronavirus has impacted all of us in some way,” states Dr. Jason Hill, Chief Medical Officer. “The vaccination will help protect our patients from contracting the virus or spreading it unknowingly to loved ones. CNHSA will be making both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available when supplies arrive from the manufacturer. These vaccines require two doses to achieve an over 94% effective rate.”

CNHSA joined the historic movement to fight the novel coronavirus by giving the first doses of the vaccination in Choctaw Nation. Dr. Jason Hill, Chief Medical Officer for CNHSA received the first dose. Top nursing and pharmacy officials also received the vaccine on the first day of its offering.

The vaccine will be available for CNHSA frontline employees throughout the next several weeks. Beginning as early as January 2021, phase 2 of the vaccinations will be made available to Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card holders 60 years and older that live within Choctaw Nation jurisdiction, along with CDIB card holders that live in the same household. The details for those meeting the criteria will be announced in the coming weeks.

Final phases will include CDIB cardholders of any age and CNO associates as vaccine supplies are available. Further information will be made available on choctawnation.com/covid-19.