As Pandemic Continues, District 1 Mobile Vaccination Event Draws 51 For COVID Shots

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Indian Community continues to utilize its fleet of Mobile Vaccination Units to vaccinate members. The most recent MVU event, held on Saturday, September 11th in District 1, attracted 51 people who received vaccinations, including a number of younger GRIC members.

“I just wanted to get it done,” said Stephen Jackson, District 2, got his second dose of the vaccine. “I feel so much better about the pandemic, after I got my second shot,” said Jackson, who explained that the rising number of deaths related to COVID-19 prompted him to get vaccinated. “I think being out here it motivates and gives us a chance to protect ourselves.” 

Jayden Cardenas from District 1 also came to get his vaccination. “He’s the oldest (child) and I know it will protect him,” said his mother, Rachel Cardenas. 

Cardenas, a student at Santan Junior High School, said he feels good about getting vaccinated because his school is conducting in-class instruction. His mother said that although the Chandler Unified School District has COVID-19 restrictions in place, getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe against the virus.

For many in attendance at the D1 MVU event, it was their second vaccination. Gila River Health Care is offering free vaccinations to those who need the first or second shot at the VLJ Building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 21-23 and again between September 28-30.

GRHC has also started to make available a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for some Community members. 

Individuals age 12 or older with certain conditions which compromise their immune systems are eligible to receive their third dose at least four weeks after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The individual must be a Community member, a member of the Ak-Chin tribe or Community or member of another federally recognized tribe.

For more information on criteria to receive the third shot, visit http://grhc.org/vaccine/ or call the GRHC COVID-19 Hotline at 520-550-6079.

Walk-ins are accepted at GRHC Primary Care facilities or you can schedule an appointment by calling 602-528-1482.