Native American Tribes Provide COVID-19 Vaccines to Public by ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

When the Cherokee Nation first began receiving COVID-19 vaccines from the Indian Health Service, supplies were limited so vaccinations were focused on health care workers and fluent Cherokee speakers. As time has passed, the tribe’s allotment has increased to the point where they feel comfortable opening it up to the general public, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin said. 

“Our first obligation is always to our citizens, but we are good community partners and the virus doesn’t care if you’re a Cherokee citizen,” he said.

In opening up to the general public, Hoskin said that will include undocumented immigrants. 

“Cherokee Nation is going to do its level best to vaccinate everyone,” he said.