For immediate release:               
Ohiarihkó:wa/July 22, 2021

Communications Department

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe 

srmt-nsn.gov

SRMT Health Services Concerned with Low Vaccination Rate

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Services are reporting no new or active cases of COVID-19 under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. They are pleased to also report that the three (3) community members who were in quarantine have been released, as they did not show any symptoms due to being vaccinated. Their release shows the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in protecting yourself against the virus, including the new Delta variant.

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services reports a vaccination rate of 45.2% for Akwesasne’s southern portion, which lags behind Franklin County at 47.2% who are completely vaccinated and 49.3% for St. Lawrence County (based on data from NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker). With less than 50% fully vaccinated, Health Services is once more urging everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine, as community immunity has not yet been reached, which is a vaccination rate of at least 70%.

As of July 21^st, Health Services reports that 7,382 total vaccinations have been administered, with 79 conducted during the past week. This includes 3,812 Primes, or first doses, provided to individuals of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Additionally; 3,570 Boosters; or second doses, have been provided at the Wednesday Walk-in Vaccine Clinic or during scheduled medical appointments.

Individuals ages 18 years or older were the largest age group to get vaccinated in the last week, with 44 people receiving 23 Primes and 21 Booster shots. This was followed by 12 to 15-year olds at 27 vaccinations: 12 Primes and 15 Boosters. Only eight (8) 16 and 17-year olds were vaccinated, which was evenly divided at 4 Primes and 4 Boosters.  

Health Service’s data shows the community’s elder population continues to lead all vaccinations, with 95% of individuals ages 55-years old or more vaccinated. They report that the total number of vaccinations administered to date are as follows:

COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS:

Individuals may attend the Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic being held every Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building located at 850 State Route 37 in Akwesasne. All individuals ages 12 years or older can attend, but keep in mind that minors require a parent to be present. If you have any questions about vaccine clinics being conducted by Health Services please call (518) 333-0230.

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services also announced individuals can receive a COVID-19 vaccination during their normally scheduled medical appointment. Please let your health care provider know you are interested in being vaccinated during the time of your appointment. You may also schedule a vaccination appointment by calling Health Services at (518) 358-3141.

Community members who received their COVID-19 vaccination away from Akwesasne are asked to call the Tribe’s Outreach Program at (518) 358-3141 to have it documented with Health Services. Documenting vaccinations locally is an important way to help track and build community immunity.

COVID-19 PCR TEST COLLECTION CLINICS:

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is conducting COVID-19 PCR Test Collection Clinics from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at their main campus located at 404 State Route. Please utilize the new road located across from McGee Road. The testing clinic is open for all community members and employees of SRMT, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Akwesasne businesses, and local school districts.

Akwesasne residents and employees can also schedule a COVID-19 test by contacting Mountain Medical Urgent Care in Malone at (518) 521-3322 or Mountain Medical Urgent Care in Massena at (315) 705-0700. The PCR Test is free however, requests to receive a Rapid Test is at the individual’s expense.

Individuals should only get tested if they are exhibiting symptoms, haven’t been compliant with safety protocols, or no sooner than seven (7) days following a suspected exposure to a positive case. Some early symptoms of COVID-19 are diarrhea, fever, cough, tiredness, or possible loss of taste or smell.

If you have a non-emergency matter, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019; Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.