Phase 3 Of Vaccine Eligibility Opens To Oklahomans Across The State

Oklahoma's vaccine scheduling portal officially opened for phase three Tuesday at midnight.

The state health department says 2.4 million Oklahomans fall under that phase three category.

Read Related: Oklahoma Vaccine Resources: Phase 3 Eligibility, FAQs, Scheduler

Those eligible under phase three:

1. Teachers, and students 18-years and older
2. Residents and administrative staff in educational settings outside Pre-K through 12th grade.
3. Essential workers at high-risk exposure to the virus, all specified in the governor's third executive order.

People who meet phase three criteria have their first chance to get their COVID-19 vaccines at Mercy Hospital Clinic Tuesday. There's another vaccine pod at Mercy Wednesday.

The state says now the priority is opening more sites for people to get their shots.

Health commissioner Doctor Lance Fry says people in phase three can sign up for an appointment right now, but the state's scheduling portal isn't the only option.

"There is also the hospital systems, there is also pharmacies and primary healthcare providers out there. So, there is a lot of different access points. The portal is just one of those avenues for getting an appointment," Frye said.