COVID-19 Operations to Change at Satellite Clinics

More than a year after announcing availability of the first COVID-19 vaccinations to Oklahomans, the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) has reduced COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations.

Effective Monday, May 16, satellite clinics in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo closed all outdoor testing and vaccination tents. CNDH patients and employees will still have access to testing and vaccinations inside the clinics.

COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will no longer be available to the general public on a daily basis. However, special public health events will be scheduled as needed.

Fewer new cases and hospitalizations, along with lower levels of community transmission and less demand for testing and vaccinations at CNDH sites led to the decision to close satellite clinics.

“It has been an honor to offer these services to Chickasaw citizens and our neighbors from surrounding communities,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Health Dr. Charles Grim. “We served people from across Oklahoma as well as 38 other states during a historic pandemic. What a privilege it has been to serve our citizens and our communities alongside our amazing team of health care providers. We celebrate this milestone of no longer having the need for extended operations. But, rest assured, we will be there again if and when the community needs us.”

The COVID-19 vaccinations were first made available to all Oklahomans in March 2021. As of May 5, 2022, the CNDH has provided 81,830 vaccinations to individuals ages 5 and older with more than 2,700 given to children under age 17 and more than 6,300 to people ages 65 and older.

CNDH patients in need of testing or vaccinations may schedule an appointment with their respective clinic.