The Chickasaw Nation joined many groups across the country in receiving the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is distributed in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
With safety being a top priority, Chickasaw Nation health officials state there are many reasons to receive the vaccine as it is the best defense against COVID-19.
Vaccine Distribution
Vaccines are available by appointment for CNDH patients at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and satellite clinics in Ardmore, Tishomingo and Purcell.
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.
The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health offers (CNDH) the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 6 months of age and older.
The dosage for ages 6 months to 4 years consists of three doses:
- Initial two doses are given three weeks apart
- Third dose is given at least eight weeks after the second dose
The vaccine for children ages 5-11 is administered as two doses, three weeks apart. The vaccine is a lower dose than that used for individuals 12 and older.
Those who have recently had COVID-19 are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as they recover – there is no wait period unless the patient received treatment for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.
Those diagnosed with COVID-19 must be out of quarantine or isolation before scheduling an appointment.
General Information about COVID-19 Vaccinations
Much like other common vaccines, such as flu immunizations, chickenpox, hepatitis, HPV and more, the COVID-19 vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the virus. Vaccines work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Unlike some vaccines, the COVID-19 does not contain a live virus. Instead, the vaccine helps (or aids) by building antibodies, to protect you if you are exposed.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has robust scientific and regulatory processes in place to facilitate development and ensure the safety, effectiveness and quality of COVID-19 vaccines. According to the CDC, the U.S. has a longstanding safety system to ensure all vaccines are as safe as possible.
The FDA issued full approval of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is marketed under the brand name “Comirnaty.” The approval covers prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine is still approved under the emergency use authorization (EUA) for children and adolescents 6 months-15 years of age, and for the additional booster dose in those age 5 and older regardless of health condition or occupation.
Pfizer’s Comirnaty is the only vaccine offered by Chickasaw Nation.
What to Expect When Receiving the First Vaccine:
- Following the vaccination, there is a required 15-minute observation time.
- Recipients will receive a vaccine record card that will be required for the second dose.
- Vaccine recipients should consult with a primary care provider if there are questions or concerns regarding side effects after either dose.
What to Expect When Receiving the Second Dose Vaccine:
- You must receive a first dose through the Chickasaw Nation, in order to be eligible for a second dose through the Chickasaw Nation. If an individual has received a first dose through any agency or entity outside of the Chickasaw Nation, the second dose should also be scheduled through the same agency.
- Second dose timeline: The Pfizer vaccination is given 21 days after the first dose. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine offered at all locations.
Additional Boosters
Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) leaders support guidance from the CDC encouraging the COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible age groups and especially urges everyone age 5 and older to receive the booster shot, regardless of occupation or health condition.
Boosters are recommended for all vaccines. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should receive a booster two months after the primary dose. Those ages 12 and older who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get a booster five months after completing the primary series. CNDH exclusively offers the Pfizer vaccine at all vaccination sites as the CDC allows using different vaccine for booster doses, regardless of the vaccine used for the primary dose(s).
The CDC confirms that the Pfizer vaccine can be used as an additional booster dose in those who received the first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine and the initial dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Second Booster
The CDC updated its recommendation to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people age 50 or older to receive an additional booster dose. The recommendations also include an additional booster for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The additional booster dose should be given at least four months after the initial booster, or third dose, of the vaccine. Adults who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a second booster using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna. Chickasaw Nation vaccination sites exclusively offer the Pfizer vaccine. The CDC allows using different vaccine for booster doses, regardless of the vaccine used for the primary dose(s).
Data from the CDC continues to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect from infection and serious illness from the virus and its variants. This is especially important for older adults with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, heart disease, neurological conditions, diseases affecting the kidney or liver and those with disabilities.
Vaccines at Your Local Health Department
Public health departments are offering COVID-19 vaccines according to CDC recommended guidelines. Register online at Vaccinate.Oklahoma.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources