100 Tulsa Healthcare Workers Receive First Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine

On Tuesday, 100 doctors and nurses on the frontline received the vaccine in Tulsa.

The health department said they’ll vaccinate another 100 people on Wednesday. They said they hope to increase their number to at least 350 people per day later this week.

"What a great advance for the health of our communities!" said Dr. Jeffrey Goodloe.

Hillcrest Emergency Physician Dr. Jeffrey Goodloe was one of the first in line for the vaccine today in Tulsa County. He said his father and grandfather both worked in the medical field and it's amazing to see an actual vaccine here in Oklahoma, less than a year later.

"I vividly remember hearing about this virus emerging in different parts of the world and to see a vaccine in less than a year from then just amazing,” said Dr. Goodloe.

One of his coworkers, Dr. Jeff Johnson, was also in line for the vaccine today. He said it's amazing to finally see this day.

"My arm's not sore or anything like that so, so far so good,” said Dr. Johnson.

People getting the vaccine drove through a location specified by the health department in order to maintain physical distancing. They then received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and were monitored for 15 minutes before leaving.

Alicia Etgan from the Tulsa Health Department said each person will also get a card before they leave.

"It shows the manufacturer of the vaccine, the lot number and the date they received their first dose and it will have a reminder of when they should come back for their second dose,” said Etgan.

People have already been contacted if they meet the requirements for Phase One of vaccinations.

Local health leaders said the format could look different as more providers gain access to the vaccine, but they're just excited it's finally here.

"We know the vaccine is 95% effective after the second dose,” said Clinical Services Manager, Ellen Niemitalo. “This is a huge tool to fight and end the pandemic.”

The Health Department said you'll be contacted when it's your turn to get the vaccine.