Indian Health Service (IHS) is expecting to receive an initial allocation of 68,425 doses of COVID-19 vaccines according to their latest website update. On December 11th, Rear Adm. Francis Frazier briefed the media on IHS' efforts, stating "While we anticipate the FDA authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine soon, we wanted to assure you that we have been preparing and planning to distribute and administer initial and subsequent allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine to Indian Country."
The expected 68,000+ vaccine doses "would allow IHS to vaccinate 100% of its health care work force and residents of long term care facilities not accounted for by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," continues Frazier.
In his briefing, Frazier goes on to say "As the vaccine supply increases, IHS, tribal health programs and urban Indian organizations will be able to prioritize their local populations based on factors such as age, existing health problems and other considerations that increase the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19."
Sources: Indian Health Service; Francis Frazier 12/11/20 Media Briefing
