Oklahoma health officials 'not giving up' on getting more shots into arms despite declining interest
At the current rate of 4,500 shots per day, the World projects that it would take until mid to late April 2022 before the state could fully vaccinate the 70% of the state population needed to achieve herd immunity.
"Adolescents who are fully vaccinated can safely participate in summer camp, school sports and remain in the classroom this fall even after exposure to a case of COVID-19," said State Epidemiologist Jolianne Stone. "The data shows that while transmission of COVID-19 can still occur once you're vaccinated, it's very unlikely."
State Health Commissioner Keith Reed said there is a wide network of pandemic providers and partners that are able to store the Pfizer vaccine for ease of access, which is helped by a relaxation of cold storage requirements.
Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, the former state epidemiologist, calculates that a cumulative average of 12,000 prime doses must be given each day to Oklahomans to reach herd immunity by this summer.
Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, the former state epidemiologist, calculates that a cumulative average of 12,000 prime doses must be given each day to Oklahomans to reach herd immunity by this summer.
Oklahoma health officials are preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccines to adolescents, now that children ages 12 through 15 can qualify for the Pfizer vaccine.
Dr. Aaron Wendelboe, the former state epidemiologist, calculates that a cumulative average of 12,000 prime doses must be given each day to Oklahomans to reach herd immunity by this summer.
About 1.2 million Oklahomans — 39.5% of the adult population — have completed the full vaccination series. More than 1.5 million — 50.5% of the adult population — have received at least one shot for at a minimum some level of protection.
About 1.2 million Oklahomans — 39.5% of the adult population — have completed the full vaccination series. More than 1.5 million — 50.5% of the adult population — have received at least one shot for at a minimum some level of protection.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are a two-dose regimen, given three and four weeks apart, respectively. The first dose can offer some protection, but to get the over-90% efficacy shown in the vaccines’ clinical trials, both shots are necessary, experts say.
Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said the CDC and the FDA have authorized use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with a warning label explaining the potential for a rare side effect.
Meanwhile, fewer Oklahomans are getting vaccinated.
Columnist Wayne Greene says: There's a lot of complex psychology in raising those state vaccination rates, but Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed says it comes down to one strategy: taking vaccine to the people.
"The lesson I would recommend that people really take out of this is how sensitive our monitoring system is,” Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said.
“This is the right thing to do for our neighbors,” Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said.
Vaccine update: 10 charts that show how Oklahoma is coping with COVID-19
As if on cue, the CDC on Tuesday announced it has awarded the state $36 million to support local efforts to improve vaccine uptake, equity and access for people disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Watch Now: Gov. Kevin Stitt celebrates move to Phase 4 of state's vaccination plan with his own shot
The state leader joked about disliking shots as he craned his neck away from the arm a nurse was prepping for inoculation, but a look of surprise flashed across his masked face when she proclaimed, "That's it."
“We have all been looking forward to this day for a long time,” Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said.
Everyone who is medical able to receive COVID-19 vaccination should make an appointment for vaccination through the state portal, private providers, tribal health offices or other medical agencies, the editorial says.
“We have all been looking forward to this day for a long time,” Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said Tuesday.
Phase 3 includes teachers, staff and residents in other educational settings, such as higher education and vocational education, and critical infrastructure personnel.
Related: Tulsa Health Department expands vaccine access in minority communities
Related: Anonymous donor gives 600,000 masks to Oklahoma public schools
Due to the unpredictability of shipments, the state is delaying the administration of several thousand doses to ensure appointments made in between deliveries can be fulfilled.
The expanded category includes city, county and state officials and leaders and those in congregate care facilities, such as prisons, jails and homeless shelters, Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said Friday.
The state expects this week to receive 31,500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
An epidemiologist's modeling estimates that nearly half of Oklahomans have some level of immunity to COVID-19 through either infection or vaccination.
