OSDH Gives COVID-19 Vaccine Update, Says State Is Poised To Administer More Doses

The state health department says they're ready for more vaccine doses from the federal government.

On Wednesday, they provided an update about the vaccine rollout. The state department of health said they've administered about 182,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine across Oklahoma so far.

That's about 4% of the population.

The CDC said Oklahoma ranks 7th nationwide in administering the vaccine per 100,000 people.

Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said while that number is positive, they know they can do even better.

Right now, about 226,000 Oklahomans are eligible for the shot right now, being in phase 1 or 2 and can schedule appointments. That includes Oklahomans 65 and older, healthcare workers and first responders.

Reed said Oklahoma has the resources and ability right now to give out even more vaccines, but they only anticipate about 48,000 doses next week from the federal government.

He said in two weeks, Operation Warp Speed will be changing vaccine distribution based on burn rate, meaning the faster a state gives shots to people and needs more, the more allotment they will receive.

"That means the rate at which we get vaccine from the freezer into the arms, will impact the amount of vaccine we get allocated,” said Reed. “This just continues to emphasize the need to quickly move vaccine from receipt to people’s arms."

Click here for more information on signing up.