Oklahoma has now moved to phase two for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine across the state. This is only about two weeks after Pfizer’s vaccines first arrived in Oklahoma.
The Sooner State received 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine at the end of last week and those doses are already being given to some early Oklahoma City respondents. Several Oklahoma City firefighters received their vaccine on Christmas Day and others will also be vaccinated this week.
Although the phases are moving fast, there are still people in phase one who have not yet been vaccinated. The latest shipments of doses are being made available for phases one and two at 150 locations across the state.
Phase two includes first responders, health professionals who provide direct care to COVID-19 patients, adults aged 65 and over, teachers and educational staff, employees and residents in congregated locations, such as prisons and homeless shelters, and employees of public health that support the frontline efforts.
Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed said they are working as quickly as possible to vaccinate Oklahoma residents.
“Time will tell how quickly we can get the vaccine to individuals,” said Reed. “The vaccination rate depends on several factors and one of the biggest ones is our access points.”
Oklahoma is expected to receive nearly 44,000 more doses of vaccine by the end of the year.