Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Begins Vaccine Distribution

MASHANTUCKET, CT — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation kicked off its distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations with fire department members receiving the Moderna vaccine Monday. The tribal nation is focused on vaccinating the entire Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino staff, beginning with first responders and those at the most risk, according to a statement.

Following Monday’s vaccinations, the tribal nation will continue its vaccine distribution with the police department, tribal elders, tribal council, tribal community and Foxwoods Resort Casino staff in the coming weeks and months.

"It is a historic - and hopeful - time for us as a tribal nation," Dr. Setu Vora, chief medical officer of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said in a statement. "We know there is a lot of work ahead of us, and we have to earn and maintain trust in science and the vaccine. One way to help is to share our experiences with the vaccine with our friends and family, so that we can vaccinate with confidence. We look forward to many more immunization events throughout the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino community - as we continue to fight COVID-19."

“Today we took the first steps on the path to a brighter future, as we partnered with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to secure and administer our first round of COVID-19 vaccinations,” Chairman Rodney Butler, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said in a statement.

Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun began a phased reopening in June following closure in mid-March.