Tribal Health Reports Vaccinations At 48 Percent

By Bill Vander Weele

Julian Shields, director of Fort Peck Tribal Health, said that efforts continue to get people vaccinated for COVID on the Fort Peck Reservation.

Last week, Shields reported that 48 percent of tribal members are fully vaccinated.

He noted free clinics take place each Tuesday at the Wolf Point Community Hall and Thursday at the Poplar Cultural Center.

In addition, health officials have started traveling to schools and making vaccinations available. They have already visited schools in Brockton and Frazer.

“It’s an effort to get more children vaccinated,” Shields said.

He said the goal is to have at least 70 percent of tribal members vaccinated.

“Then we can get back to opening fully,” Shields said. “Then we can lift all the restrictions.”

For example, events at the cultural center are limited ton only 50 individuals at this time.

“Our tribal council and health board are determined to vaccinate people,” Shields said.

According to the state website, 44 percent of residents in Roosevelt County are fully immunized.

The state has 52 percent of its eligible population fully immunized.

Other eastern Montana counties include Valley at 43 percent, Daniels at 43 percent, Sheridan at 58 percent, Richland at 38 percent, Mc-Cone at 27 percent, Garfield at 24 percent, Phillips at 46 percent and Dawson at 38 percent.