Oklahoma Shifts To Phase 2 Of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan

Oklahoma has now shifted to phase two for COVID-19 vaccine distribution across the state. This comes only about two weeks after the Pfizer vaccines first arrived in Oklahoma.

The Sooner State received 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine late last week and those doses are already being given out to some Oklahoma City first responders. Several Oklahoma City firefighters received their vaccine on Christmas Day and others will be vaccinated this week as well.

Although the phases are moving quickly, there are still people in phase one who have not yet been vaccinated. The latest shipments of doses are being made available to those in phase one and two at 150 sites across the state.

Phase two includes first responders, health care workers providing direct care to COVID-19 patients, adults ages 65 and older, teachers and educational staff, staff and residents in congregate locations such as prisons and homeless shelters, and public health staff who support front line efforts.

Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said they are working as quickly as they can to get Oklahomans vaccinated.

“Time is going to tell how quickly we can get the vaccine to individuals,” Reed said. “The rate in which we vaccinate is dependent on several factors and one of the biggest is our access points.”

Oklahoma is expected to receive nearly 44,000 more vaccine doses by the end of the year.