Tulsa Transit, THD Partnering To Encourage Tulsans To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Tulsa Transit is partnering with the Health Department to encourage more Tulsans to get vaccinated.

The program gives free rides to people who use the bus to get their first and second doses. This new partnership with Tulsa Transit and the health department not only gives more access to the vaccine, it doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

"Now that we’ve opened up to 12 to15-year-old population, we are seeing a large increase in the number of individuals wanting the vaccines," Alicia Etgen, THD Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Response Program, told News On 6. 

Etgen says some people can't get their shot because they simply can't find a ride. "We've identified certain ZIP codes that Tulsa transit and their bus system could be a great way to reach individuals that haven't gotten their vaccine due to transportation issues," Etgen explained. 

To solve that problem, Tulsa Transit is offering free rides. The program will include three department of health locations and five existing bus routes to get to those areas.

Etgen says individuals will have to pay for your first bus trip to the vaccine site. Once they get your 1st shot, you just show your receipt and get this pass at the exit. It's good for 10 free rides and one 24-hour pass.

Syreeta Burrell is with the Tulsa Dream Center, and she says she knows many families who would benefit from the program.

"They don’t have a ride, so if you’re going to bridge the gap and get them there, I think you’ll get a lot of results from this program," Burrel said, "They’re pretty excited to know that they’re not only have a pass for one visit but they have a way to get back there for their second follow up as well."

Etgen says they hope this program pushes the momentum to get back to normal.

"Our goal is to get as many shots and as many arms as we possibly can," Etgen added.

The program is offered at the following clinics: Tulsa Health Department North Regional Health and Wellness Center, Tulsa Health Department Central Regional Health Center and Community Vaccination Center at Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus. You can find more information about the program here.