By: Angel Ellis, Director
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma–Through multiple site vaccination events and the use of phased implementation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has administered over 14,000 doses of vaccines. According to MCN Principal Chief David Hill, vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the reservation.
‘We’re at over 14,000 vaccinations distributed and still going strong in many counties in our reservation and among some of the highest percentage vaccinated in the state,’ Chief Hill said in a social media post.
Citizens even took advantage of the latest COVID-19 vaccination event held at the Claude Cox Ominiplex in Okmulgee. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt stopped in at the event for an impromptu visit on Feb. 19 and met with tribal officials.
As of Feb. 22, the tribe has administered a cumulative total of 16,276 COVID-19 Vaccines. Those doses were distributed to healthcare workers and tribal citizens.
The tribe has delivered 9,417 first doses of the vaccines, with 6,859 doses given in a second-round dose.
Despite weather difficulties, the tribe has managed to hold vaccination events in various locations. Even with the challenges of weather, vaccine events reported successful turnout. On Feb. 12, with snow rolling in, MCNDOH delivered 831 vaccines.
While the vaccines offer protection, health officials are still encouraging all measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Throughout the MCN Reservation, there are increasing reports of COVID-19 infection and even deaths. Citizens are encouraged to keep wearing their masks, wash hands frequently, maintain social distancing measures, and take advantage of the vaccines as soon as they are available.