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Posted: January 13, 2022

Media Release

Association of American Indian Physicians Announces COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Campaign

Group launches website and resources urging continued vaccinations for American Indian and Alaska Native populations

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. (January 12, 2022) – The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) recently announced its partnership with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to encourage increased COVID-19 and flu vaccination rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The partnership includes a brand new AAIP sponsored website – aaipvax.org – and additional resources to support and educate member physicians, providers, and tribal nations. (See below for links to video PSAs.)

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the Association of American Indian Physicians is a national, non-profit organization working to improve the overall health of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The organization fosters programs that directly address widely acknowledged health disparities among the groups their member physicians serve.

“Increasing vaccinations is one way to ensure our communities thrive,” said AAIP Executive Director Tom Anderson. “We hear this time and again from our member physicians. We encourage all American Indians and Alaska Natives eligible for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 booster is also important, so those eligible should also immediately get the booster vaccine.”

As the pandemic continues and flu season approaches, AAIP is providing a new website featuring the latest vaccination information. The interactive site includes important statistics, trending topics and safety information. Video resources showcase American Indian and Alaska Native physicians and tribal culture. The website launch coincides with National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November across the United States to recognize the significant contributions of the first Americans. 

“I can’t think of a better way for AAIP to create and extend resources aimed at saving lives. Our elders are especially at risk because of the ongoing pandemic and flu season. Vaccinations help save these special community members and thus preserve the cultures they represent and teach us so much about,” said AAIP President Dr. Mary Owen.

The CDC reports increased risks for COVID-19 among American Indian and Alaska Natives — more than U.S. residents of other races. Based on COVID-19 weekly data released by the CDC in late August, reports indicate a particularly large increase for death rates among American Indian and Alaska Natives in mid-August 2021, reflecting the spread of the Delta variant. Since September 2021, COVID-19 infection rates between racial groups have narrowed, however, American Indian and Alaska Natives remain the highest risk for COVID-19-related deaths.

AAIP physicians suggest these disparities mean getting vaccinations is crucial for tribal members and their communities. COVID-19 vaccination rates for American Indian and Alaska Natives are already among the highest for any ethnic group – 47.6 percent are fully vaccinated and 55.6 have had one dose of the vaccine. AAIP wants to see that number climb even higher. 

AAIP suggests American Indians and Alaska Natives contact their local Indian Health Service Clinic, Tribal clinic, pharmacy or physician to schedule COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and to make an appointment for the annual flu vaccine. The association will continue to provide the very latest vaccine information and resources at aaipvax.org.

Video PSA’s featuring American Indian/Alaska Native physicians around the country: 

Influenza Vaccinationshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VPkPJr_tdg 

COVID-19 Vaccinations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwWTSlpPxWo

Why the COVID-19 Vaccines is Important For Tribal Cultureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCEpL-75Q0

COVID-19 Vaccination Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOAA0TxqTs4

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