Gov. Stitt Expected To Announce Teachers Moving Up On Priority List For COVID-19 Vaccine

Oklahoma state leaders are expected to announce teachers are moving up on the priority list to receive the COVID-19 vaccine sooner than expected, but there’s no word on how high teachers will be moving up on the list.

The state is currently working through the first phase of the vaccine rollout, giving the shots to frontline healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, and some public health workers. Teachers are currently in phase three.

The Education Association President and Bartlesville teacher, Heather Davis said she's happy to see teachers move up, but only if it doesn't interfere with frontline workers, first responders, or immuno-compromised patients getting the vaccine too. She also believes the shots will allow many teachers to feel safer at work.

“It has given a sense of relief to several teachers,” said Davis. “Especially those with compromised family members at home or who are compromised themselves, that this would be a layer of mitigation.”

The news conference is expected to start at 12 p.m. Thursday at the State Capitol.

News 9 plans to bring it to you live on air and on the News 9 app.