Osage Nation Opens Vaccine Clinic To All Adults, No Appointment Needed

This week, an Osage Nation health clinic opened its doors to adults wanting a COVID-19 vaccine, even if they’re not a tribal citizen. They’re accepting walk-ins, no appointment necessary.

The change in vaccination procedure doesn't just benefit the local and tribal communities but anybody -18 and up - who decides they're ready for a vaccine.

For anyone who's been watching their friends get vaccines and has been stuck waiting for their own, this is a big opportunity.

Sam DeFrees heard about the openings on Facebook and decided to drive to the Osage Nation Civic Center to do his part in keeping himself and those around him safe from COVID-19.

 "I dropped what I was doing and just came right on over," DeFrees said. "I think this is part of the story for the recovery of the country. And if I can get stuck in the arm, I'm happy to do it."

That's exactly what Chief Medical Officer of the Osage Clinic Ron Shaw is hoping for - more people showing up to get vaccinated.

"A lot of reasons to get vaccinated and not watch from the sidelines," Shaw said.

Shaw said the Osage Clinic found itself with a good supply of vaccine and not enough people showing up to take it. Opening vaccinations to walk-ins and removing restrictions on who can get them solves that problem.

"As we looked to try to increase numbers of people presenting for vaccination, we decided those were both hinderances to people who may be on the fence, not sure if they want a vaccine," Shaw said.

Shaw wants as many people as possible protected from COVID, so the offer stays on the table as long as supplies last.

"Please, make the safe choice for you and your family and your elders and your parents, particularly if you're older. Get vaccinated to protect others, not just yourself," Shaw said.

The Osage Nation said they'll continue these walk-in vaccinations every day throughout the rest of the week from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Civic Center can be found at 1449 W Main Street in Pawhuska.