The COVID-19 vaccines have brought a sense of hope and safety to many of our relatives after a year of loss.

We also understand that many people have questions about the vaccines. On this page, you’ll find vaccine stories from our community members and medical providers as well as resources from our research division, Urban Indian Health Institute, each of which are by and for Native people.

We are here for our community, and we are here to support you.

Native people are safely getting the vaccine.  

The results of a national survey by our research division, Urban Indian Health Institute, showed that approximately 75% of Native people in the U.S. are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination rates are even higher in our region than the survey predicted; as of May 2021, 76% of American Indian and Alaska Native people in King County had already received at least one dose of the vaccine. 

We were the first health center in Washington state to receive the Moderna vaccine, and our President and CEO, Esther Lucero (Diné), was the first recipient. Esther told the Seattle Times, “I’m excited to take the first step, and to really model the safety and value of the vaccine for our community.”

The vaccines were developed safely with clinical trials that included Native people. 

In the U.S., vaccines must go through three phases of clinical trials to make sure they are safe and effective. None of these phases were skipped in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Of the 43,000 people who participated in the Pfizer vaccine clinical trials, over 2,500 were Native people. Out of the 30,000 Moderna vaccine trial participants, approximately 2,400 were Native.  

To learn more about Native participation in clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, check out Native2Native, a video series from Urban Indian Health Institute.  

mRNA technology has been studied for decades and is safe.  

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA technology to protect us against disease by triggering an immune response. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is that those vaccinated gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. 

Even if you are not at risk for severe illness, being vaccinated benefits you, your family, and your community.  

By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and your loved ones from being infected with the coronavirus. You also gain greater freedom to see the people you love and return to your favorite activities.

COVID-19 continues to threaten our Native Elders, languages, cultures, and communities. View the Everyday Warriors series by Urban Indian Health Institute to hear Native stories of COVID-19.  

More questions?

Stories from our Community

Beloved Elders and staff of our community health center shared about their vaccination journeys with Urban Indian Health Institute.