Oklahomans Ages 65 And Older Begin Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines

More than a thousand patients 65 years and older will be vaccinated at Mercy hospital with health officials hoping this can help relieve some of the strain on space the hospital sees.

Thursday, January 7th 2021, 5:21 pm



More than a thousand patients 65 years and older will be vaccinated at Mercy hospital with health officials hoping this can help relieve some of the strain on space the hospital sees.

"If you were to walk across the street, to look inside our hospital ward or look inside our hospital ICU, the majority of the individuals you see are over the age of 65," Dr. Jesse Campbell with Mercy Clinic Oklahoma.

While many are getting vaccinated, health officials and those getting the vaccine warn the fight against COVID-19 is not over yet.

"It's not going to be a cure-all, but it is going to be something that is going to help," said one man in line to get his vaccine.

"Right now, we are not absolutely sure the degree of protection we are going to see from the vaccine. We have seen the studies that show upwards to 90 to 95% effective," said Campbell.

The available appointments in Oklahoma County were filled within minutes, but News 9 was told there are plans to grow distribution sites.

"Once we are able to find out how quickly we can move patients through the system, how many patients we can vaccinate in a certain period, we plan to expand this to other areas of Oklahoma County," said Campbell.

As of now, there are no set dates or times in the county, and county leaders said the next batch of appointments all depends on the state's vaccine supply.

"When we get more vaccine, then we will know what clinics will get up next," said Molly Fleming with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

The county has asked for 25,000 vaccines but only expects to get 6,000 the next round. They said this is a week-by-week process.

Click here to view the Oklahoma vaccination portal to fill out a questionnaire and to schedule an appointment.

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