COVID-19 has devastated Indigenous people across the country. It has stolen much from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation, including the lives of several of our Tribe members. Many of us have suffered from Covid-19 and recovered. I recently tested positive for COVID-19 and am thankful to report that my case was mild, and I made a full recovery. The experience was a reminder that we must remain committed to our community's health by wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting contact.

I encourage each of you to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to you. Getting vaccinated protects you, but it also protects Elders, friends, family, and our community. This is our way forward. This is our path to victory. As more people in our community are vaccinated, employees and guests at Grand Lake Casino will be safer. More guests will have the confidence to return to the Casino, increasing revenue, which will be used for necessary benefits and programs. Getting vaccinated is good for your personal safety and the wellbeing of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. Please check-in and help those who might need assistance making appointments for a vaccine. We are all in this together! 

Please share this information to your friends and family to continue our Nation’s fight against COVID-19.

Stay safe and healthy,

Chief Sarah S. Channing

Finding information about when and where to get the vaccine can be difficult. Here are a few resources that will help you:

Northeastern Tribal Health Systems Miami, OK 

https://nthsclinic.com/covid-19

Vaccines are now available to Phase 1 individuals, which includes Tribal Members ages 65 and older OR 18 older with underlying health conditions.

Underlying Health Conditions Include: 

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Liver Disease
• History of Stroke
• Asthma
• Immunocompromised
• Cancer 
• Heart Disease

This is by appointment only. There are no walk-in appointments. You must call (918) 332-4478 to make an appointment. 

Cherokee Nation Health Centers

Cherokee Nation is now scheduling vaccination appointments for CDIB card holders 65 and older who are already established patients in Cherokee Nation Health Centers. To schedule an appointment, or to establish a chart, please call (833) 528-0063.

Claremore Indian Hospital

Claremore Indian Hospital has a limited number of appointments for Pfizer BioNTech COVID vaccine available for Native American beneficiaries who are frontline healthcare workers, frontline first responders, or 55 years and older.

If you meet any of these criteria and would like to schedule an appointment to receive a dose, you need an active chart. 

Once you have an active chart, please call 918-342-6580 to schedule an appointment. 

The appointment dates available are 

January 7th,8th ,9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th,19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd.

You must schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.

The line is open from:

Monday - Friday

8:00-11:30am

and noon to 3 pm

Oklahoma Health Department

All Oklahomans can pre-register for a Covid-19 vaccine using the State of Oklahoma’s Covid-19 Vaccine Scheduler Portal online. Complete the Covid-19 Questionnaire at   https://ok-vras.powerappsportals.us. You will receive an email confirming your placement into a phase, and another when vaccines are available for your phase. 

Vaccine Centers are located throughout Oklahoma. Find one near you at: 

https://ok-vras.powerappsportals.us/vaccine-centers

If you have questions about the vaccine please contact your doctor or other health care provider. Keep in mind that: 

• Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses 21-28 days apart. 
• COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.
• You cannot get Covid-19 from the vaccine. This type of vaccine does not contain any live virus.
• Continue to social distance and wear a mask until your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Full immunity is not immediate! 
• Please spread the word to others. Check on elderly family, friends, and neighbors. Help them find a place to get a vaccine. 
• For more information about the vaccine visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html