Vaccine Cohort Expands for Children

July 15, 2022

GRIN Staff

The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility following the CDC’s recommendation to now include children 6 months to 4-years-old. Governor Lewis’ COVID-19 Taskforce presented a Pediatric COVID Vaccine Plan to the Health & Social Standing Committee during a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. 

The committee approved the plan to expand the pediatric vaccine to include the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as approved through Emergency Use Authorizations for children age 6-months to 17-years. 

Vaccines for 6-month to 4-year-old children are available by appointment only. Same day appointments are available as well. Call (520) 562-3321 ext. 7337 to schedule.

For ages five and above, vaccines are available by walk-in, by appointment with the Primary Care Department or walk-in at any Community vaccine event. Call (602) 528-1482 to schedule an appointment.

GRIC recommends vaccinations for all Community members and residents. Children and teens of all ages can get very sick from COVID; have both short and long-term health problems after COVID infection and spread COVID-19 to others. 

For any vaccines related questions or concerns, parents and guardians should contact the COVID Hotline at (520) 550-6079. 

The Gila River Indian Community has averaged approximately 88 positive COVID-19 cases a week from June 20 to July 10, according to the Tribal Health Department’s (THD) COVID-19 data report released on July 11. These numbers include positive cases and reinfections. The report also lists 162 deaths. In the last week from July 4 to July 10 there were 115 COVID-19 cases

The Omicron subvariant continues to spread with BA.5 now the dominant strain in the United States. It is critical Community Members become Up to Date with their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your family and your Community.