Special Update From HHS Commissioner
COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide. These increases are also affecting the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe community members and employees as we head into “sick season.” We will likely see this continue throughout the next couple of months as we head into fall and winter.
We are actively monitoring local cases and adjusting as needed to continue to service Band members.
In the event that a Mille Lacs Band department is affected by a COVID-19 positive case, rest assured that we are addressing the issue immediately.
When an HHS department is affected by COVID-19, the Band will do several things.
1. Contact you to let you know that your appointment will be virtual or rescheduled if you want to be seen in person.
2. Send communication through text alerts and Facebook posts that the department will be temporarily doing visits virtually. Please ensure HHS clinic has your most accurate phone number. Please call 320-532-4163 #2 to update your phone number.
Things to know:
1. Safety is important to us. All of our buildings are screening, have a mask mandate in place, and follow COVID-19 procedures and protocols.
2. Masking, social distancing, and hand washing are effective ways to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19. We also encourage getting the vaccine as it does reduce the severity of symptoms.
3. While the vaccine may reduce the severity of symptoms, it does not prevent the transmission. Please continue to be mindful of this and use safety measures.
District I vaccination clinic
On October 8th between the hours of 8-12 at D1 Clinic third dose booster vaccinations will be offered in addition to those who still need their first and/or second dose. The third dose booster is only available to those that completed their two-dose series of Pfizer between the months of December 2020 and March 2021.
Those who have received their Pfizer two-dose series after March 2021 will be able to receive their third dose booster when it has been 6 months since your last dose. We will be announcing additional vaccine clinics each month to include those who will then be eligible for third doses.
Vaccinations available as follows:
1st or 2nd dose of Pfizer (12 years old and older) or Moderna (18 years of age and older)
1st dose of Janssen 18 years of age and older
3rd dose of Pfizer for those that received their 2-dose series between the months of December 2020-March 2021 and are 18 years of age and older
At this time, there are no recommendations for additional doses for those who have received the Moderna or Johnson&- Johnson vaccination.
Please call 320-532-1984 to leave your name, date of birth, which vaccine you would like, and which dose you are request- ing.
Who SHOULD get a booster shot?
People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine
People aged 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine.
People aged 18-49 years old with underlying medical conditions MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine.
People aged 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks.
