Community family drive-thru vaccination event makes COVID-19 vaccination easier for parents and students

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation will host a community family drive-thru vaccination event available to anyone 12 years of age and older 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at its Emergency Operations Facility, 1300 Cradduck Road, on the corner of South Cradduck and Kerr Lab Road in Ada.

Vaccinations are open to the public at no cost and are available regardless of tribal citizenship. A parent or guardian with a valid photo ID must accompany individuals under the age of 18. Pre-registration at COVIDVaccine.Chickasaw.net is recommended, but not required.

Officials with the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health planned the event in the evening to make the COVID-19 vaccination process more convenient for families, workers and students who are unable to seek vaccinations during regular business hours.

“We want to take away any barrier to getting the vaccine,” said Chickasaw Nation Chief of Research and Public Health Dr. Daniel Molina.

Food trucks will be available on-site for those who want to purchase refreshments during the observation period after vaccination. Tents and picnic tables will be set up nearby. KCNP Chickasaw Community Radio will provide music.

Tickets redeemable for a free treat at a food truck, as well as movie passes to the McSwain Theatre will be provided to individuals receiving vaccinations.

Recipients, parents or guardians will receive an email with details on how to schedule the follow-up vaccination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12-15.

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.

Health insurance is not required to receive the vaccine but can be submitted for billing purposes.

To keep patients and employees safe, the Chickasaw Nation COVID-19 vaccination and testing drive-thru operations will be suspended in case of severe weather.

The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health encourages everyone ages 12 and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to establish immunity in our community and prevent the spread of the virus to those who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate adolescents to improve immunity in schools, extracurricular activities and other youth events.

Since December 2020, the Chickasaw Nation has administered more than 61,000 COVID-19 vaccinations, according to Dr. Molina.

The Chickasaw Nation COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon at (580) 272-1339 to assist patients 65 and older and patients with no internet access. The call center is closed weekends and Chickasaw Nation holidays.