Oklahoma State Department Of Health Addresses Vaccine Questions

The state department of health is working around the clock to get vaccines into the arms of people across the state.

That process involves the new Biden Administration.

OSDH said they haven't heard too much from the new administration, but Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed is hopeful that means the state will get more vaccines soon.

"So many of your questions I always have to respond it depends on vaccine supply so if we can get vaccine supply up that certainly opens up opportunities for Oklahoma," said Reed.

But as of right now Reed said the department is having to navigate the rollout one week at a time.

"I will admit there is no promises of what we are getting beyond next week’s shipment and that in and of itself is a frustration on the planning side," said Reed.

The state is expecting to receive around 86,000 doses of the vaccine next week.

Those will be split between both first and second doses.

For those getting a second dose Reed said your first plan of action should be to follow any instructions given to you by the clinic you received your first dose at. But if you are not able to do that you can book it through the online portal.

"If not, you can get vaccinated through the portal now. We are very specific and have gone into these clinic sights and they say booster clinics, so I really want to urge people who have gone into the portal for their first dose do not register for those booster clinics," said Reed.

Basically, there are different options. One is for people booking their first dose, the second is for those booking their second dose.

If you are not able to make an appointment for you second dose right away or within the 28-day window, health officials stress you do not need to worry.

“I feel confident that if we get into a situation with supply or logistical restrictions or whatever it may be, I would still adamantly encourage people to get there first dose and understand that attributes and benefits are derived from that. And to not feel like the overall benefit to their immune system is not going to be compromised as that window gets stretched out even to the point of 3 months or 6 months," said state Epidemiologist Jared Taylor

Looking forward the state said it's not sure when we'll move into the next phase of vaccinations.

They're focusing now on getting those 65 and older their shots.