The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is continuing its effort to get the COVID-19 vaccine to all members. The Community is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics that are open to all SRPMIC members, spouses and adult household members, including those who live off the Community. To receive your COVID-19 vaccination, you will have to make an appointment for the next vaccination clinic (see sidebar). 

Meet a few Community members and learn why they decided to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and some of the side effects they experienced. 

Veronica Tashquinth 

Why did you decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Because it would prevent me from catching COVID [-19]—or if I do catch it, it won’t be that bad. So far, I have only received the first shot. I had to wait till [vaccines were offered for] my age group. 

What advice would you give other SRPMIC members to encourage them to get the COVID-19 vaccine? It’s better to get the vaccination because it will help prevent you from catching COVID-19. The vaccine is nothing to fear. 

Do you have any feedback after getting the vaccine? When I first got it, my arm didn’t feel any way, but the next day my arm started itching for a bit. I didn’t get a fever. I went with my sister and adult niece; my sister got a fever, but my niece had no side effects. 

Gretta Collins-Frederico 

Why did you decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine? The tribe wanted us to get it so we don’t get the virus. 

What advice would you give other SRPMIC members to encourage them to get the COVID-19 vaccine? [They should get it] so they won’t get sick and spread it around. 

Do you have any feedback after getting the vaccine? I got both shots. I only got a headache for three days on one of the shots. I had no other side effects happen to me. 

Angie Silversmith

Why did you decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine? So, I wouldn’t get sick and spread it to other people, especially my family, like my kids and grandkids. 

What advice would you give other SRPMIC members to encourage them to get the COVID-19 vaccine? They should get the shot so they can visit their families again and have more freedom to hug their kids and grandkids, and stuff like that. 

Do you have any feedback after getting the vaccine? I just got a sore arm [the first time], and after the second shot [my arm] got swollen and bruised. 

SRPMIC COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

The SRPMIC is currently distributing the Moderna vaccine, which is recommended for those 18 and older. The vaccine is a series of two shots with a 28-day period in between. It is administered like any vaccine, into the muscle in the upper arm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potential side effects include pain, redness and swelling in the arm where the shot was given. Also, some people may experience fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever or nausea after receiving the shot. 

To get your COVID-19 vaccine at the next clinic, call (480) 362-2603 and leave your name and phone number so a SRPMIC staff member can call you back to schedule your appointment. 

SRPMIC Coronavirus information (COVID-19) 

24 Hour Hotline 

(480) 362-2603

Press 1 – COVID-19 Testing

Press 2 – To schedule a vaccine appointment

Press 3 – Homebound Services