Wahzhazhe Health Center Expands COVID-19 Booster Eligibility

OSAGE RESERVATION, OKLA. (October 22, 2021) – Following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations released on October 21, 2021, the Wahzhazhe Health Center (WZZHC) has expanded COVID-19 booster eligibility. For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Osage Chief Standing Bear received his COVID-19 booster dose today after carefully reviewing CDC data and recommendations. 

“I strongly encourage reviewing the recommendations put forth by the CDC and FDA to make the best decision for yourself and your family,” said Chief Standing Bear. “I’d like to share my gratitude to Dr. Bighorse and the Wahzhazhe Health Center’s team for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe.” 

The CDC released a media statement on October 21, 2021, with the following information that can also be found at www.cdc.gov: 

There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Millions of people are newly eligible to receive a booster shot and will benefit from additional protection. However, today’s action should not distract from the critical work of ensuring that unvaccinated people take the first step and get an initial COVID-19 vaccine. More than 65 million Americans remain unvaccinated, leaving themselves – and their children, families, loved ones, and communities – vulnerable.

Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.

All three COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, continue to be available at WZZHC, by appointment only, for both tribal and non-tribal individuals. If you have questions related to COVID-19, the COVID-19 vaccine, or scheduling a test, please call 918.287.0028. WZZHC is located at 715 Grandview Ave. in Pawhuska, Okla. 

Image: Photo (L to R): WZZHC Manager Kirk Shaw, Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, WZZHC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Bighorse, WZZHC Nurse 

Media Contact: Osage Nation Communications Dept.; (918) 770 -3931; communications@osagenation-nsn.gov