10 Nov Vaccine PSA from Dr. Frank Animikwam

“Aanii Odawak, Anishinaabek! COVID-19 booster vaccines have been available now for the past 2 weeks for adults ages 18 years and older. What an opportunity for our people to keep us all safe from COVID-19. Our LTBB Odawa Health Department is prioritizing booster shots for our elders, those with health conditions that place them at higher risks, and front line workers first.  Please be patient as we work through these lists.

Vaccines are more widely available than in the past. We are happy to provide the boosters at our LTBB Odawa Health Department, but the most important thing is that you get vaccinated, even if is not at our clinic.

For those with cellular phones, be on the lookout for a text message notification from the LTBB Odawa Health Department for scheduling. For those with land lines or elders who need assistance with text messaging, we will try to reach you through other means or you can call the LTBB Odawa Health Clinic (231)242-1700 for scheduling.

Lastly, please see the infographic provided by IHS and CDC, to help make sense of the main three types of vaccines, timing of vaccinations, and the timing of boosters. Be mindful, there is a mix-match approach to vaccinations. This approach is just as effective as keeping the same vaccine type, at decreasing the risk of getting COVID-19 or from having severe symptoms from COVID-19 infection. The mix-match approach can also decrease the risk of having another rare adverse reaction to a vaccine type, by receiving a different type.

Chimiigwetchiwinim to you all! Together we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. We must also do our best to practice the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Wash our hands, and Watch our distance. Nengwajigwa, take it easy!

Dr Animikwam”