Catawba Indian Nation to offer vaccine to other tribes

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — The Catawba Indian Nation will now offer COVID-19 vaccines to other Native American tribe members and their families.

South Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe has received vaccine supply directly from the federal government and administers the shots through its on-site clinic at its Rock Hill reservation.

The Rock Hill Herald reports that the clinic will vaccinate anyone over age 18 who is a member of any federally recognized tribe, or those living with or married to registered members of the Catawba Nation.

Those eligible can provide a tribal identification card or proof of address to the clinic.

Native Americans are especially vulnerable to the effects of the virus, with Native Americans and Alaskan Natives being four times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The reservation has offered the vaccine to all members over age 18 since January.