Announcements & Events

PRESS RELEASE:  Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine 14 April 2021   The AST Health System has paused its inventory of all Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccinations as per the CDC and FDA guidelines via communication with the I.H.S. OKC Area Office.   To date, none of the very limited inventory has been provided to anyone serviced by the AST Health System or its Public Health Department. Due to this development, it will not be available at the upcoming AST General Council or at any other vaccination event until further notice. We will continue to offer the Pfizer and Moderna at the General Council Meeting for those who still want a vaccination. The FDA is asking states to temporarily halt using J&J’s one-dose COVID-19 vaccine after six people in the U.S. developed a rare blood-clotting disorder.   The FDA said the recommendation is “out of an abundance of caution.” The cases occurred in women ages 18 to 48, with symptoms developing 6 to 13 days after they received the shot.   If you have received the J&J vaccine by another provider, or at another location, it is highly recommended you discuss any and all concerns with your provider regarding your J&J vaccination.   The Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations continue to be offered as none of the J&J vaccination concerns affect our ongoing vaccination effort with Pfizer and Moderna, locally or nationally.   To schedule an appointment to receive the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, please call the AST Health System’s Public Health Department at 405.701.7190 or 405.701.7600. For the latest updates on vaccine eligibility and distribution, please visit https://www.asthealth.org/covid-19.   For more information on the J&J vaccine, please visit CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.   # # #

You can now view your Economic Impact Payment amounts, if any, within your online account. www.irs.gov/account

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe will be closed  Friday, April 2, 2021 for GOOD FRIDAY

In honor and in memory of Absentee Shawnee tribal Lieutenant Governor, Kenneth Blanchard, and to allow team members time to honor him as well, Thunderbird Entertainment Centers will be closed on Tuesday, March 16th until 5:00 p.m. We offer our most sincere condolences to his family and many friends. We have great appreciation for all the Lieutenant Governor has achieved and contributed. -Thunderbird Entertainment. Center Team.

Dear Tribal Members, On March 12, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Blanchard began his journey home. The Lieutenant Governor has been a big part of the tribe and he will be deeply missed. We extend our sincerest apologies and deepest condolences to his family. Out of respect for his many years of service and dedication to the Tribe, flags have been ordered to half-staff. Additionally, the Tribal complex/offices will be closed Tuesday March 16, 2021 for his Memorial service. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Thank you The Executive Committee  

COVID-19 VACCINES AVAILABLE—BY APPOINTMENT ONLY—BEGINNING MARCH 1st SERVING PHASE 3: • ACTIVE patients and household members 16 years or older. • Open to all household members of AST Tribal members, patients, and employees. • The vaccine will be administered in a series of 2 shots 3-4 weeks apart. • You will be monitored 15-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

After hours COVID-19 Vaccine Event

Tax Preparation Services are open to the community.   Those meeting the Low-to-Moderate income of $57,000 are eligible for free income tax filing, form 1040 and 1040SR.   Required Tax Documentation: Photo Identification, Social Security Card, Medical/Dental Expenses, 1099 Form, W-2 Form, 1099-R Form, last year's taxes and receipts for any charitable donations.   Tax Preparation Times: Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Thursdays 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm End Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm   To make an appointment, please contact Tina Ontiveros at 405.275.4030 ext. 6431   CALL TODAY! AST Multi-Purpose Building: 2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801 www.astribe.com