Indianz.Com > News > Chuck Hoskin: COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Cherokee Nation
Prioritizing frontline health care workers, first responders and Cherokee elders with vaccine
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Cherokee Nation
In Cherokee Nation and across the world, we have struggled with the deadly COVID-19 virus for most of 2020. We have made sacrifices and suffered terrible losses, but we see a ray of hope. New vaccines arriving in Cherokee Nation offer freedom from the threat of this terrible virus.
Through advocacy, strategic preparation and strong collaboration with the Indian Health Service, we secured nearly 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, the first approved for use in the United States. We have launched a three phase plan for vaccine distribution.
In the first phase, Cherokee Nation has already begun vaccinating our frontline health care workers and emergency responders. These health care heroes are the first priority for vaccination so we can protect them while they continue the work of protecting us and so many Cherokee patients.
![cherokeecovid19vaccine](https://indianz.com/News/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17/cherokeecovid19vaccine.jpg)
I know some may be hesitant about taking the vaccine, but I am convinced by its 90 percent effectiveness rate and strong safety record in clinical trials. I encourage all Cherokees to get the vaccine, and I will absolutely be taking it too. Cherokee Nation remains on the frontlines in battling this public health crisis. Through our strong partnership with the U.S. government and Indian Health Services, we have had great access to testing, medications, and critical information throughout the pandemic. Thanks to our dedicated Cherokee Nation Health Services staff, we are administering the vaccine ourselves to save lives. We have also invested in and built high tech infrastructure to safely store and distribute the vaccine. As we continue our phased plan and receive more doses in the weeks to come, we look forward to healing and a slow return to normalcy across the Cherokee Nation. We can see an end to this pandemic, and that makes it even more important to stop the spread of COVID-19 now, knowing we will be much safer from it next year. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 infection rate is 3.5 times higher for American Indians. Cherokee Nation has seen nearly 7,000 positive cases of COVID-19 and 50 deaths, including 20 Cherokee speakers within the tribe’s health care system. We know how easy COVID-19 can spread when we don’t take precautions like limiting in-person gatherings and wearing masks. The vaccine offers hope, but we must remain vigilant, wear masks and practice social distancing for a while longer to protect our families and communities. You can stay up to date with vaccine news at cherokee.org and the Cherokee Nation Facebook page.The first 975 doses of the #Pfizer #COVID-19 #Vaccine arrived in the Cherokee Nation today! Distribution of the vaccines from IHS will begin this week. Phase 1 priority is given to frontline health workers, first responders and Cherokee Speakers, National Treasures and elders. pic.twitter.com/8D9jy5dRrw
— Cherokee Nation (@CherokeeNation) December 14, 2020
Chuck Hoskin Jr. is the 18th elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian tribe in the United States. He is only the second elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation from Vinita, the first being Thomas Buffington, who served from 1899-1903. Prior to being elected Principal Chief, Hoskin served as the tribe’s Secretary of State. He also formerly served as a member of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, representing District 11 for six years.
![cherokeenation](https://indianz.com/News/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17/cherokeenation.jpg)
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