Nearly 100,000 Oklahomans Have Received Both COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

The state health department says half of Oklahomans 65 and older could be at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of this week.

Oklahoma continues to outpace many other states in its vaccine rollout, but the health department thinks they can do even better.

Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed says about 12 percent of all Oklahomans have received at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Almost 100,000 Oklahomans have received both of their doses.

Reed says there continues to be more demand than supply, but the state is getting a 9 percent increase in the Pfizer vaccine this week.

Many of those doses will go to Oklahomans getting a second shot.

Reed says starting next week, about 75 pharmacies in Oklahoma will also get limited doses of vaccine as part of the federal retail pharmacies program.

This means Oklahomans in eligible priority groups--which is still healthcare workers, first responders and Oklahomans 65 and older--can schedule appointments directly through them.

"Much like appointments scheduled through the portal, your local pharmacy may not have vaccine right away or may have a very limited supply,” said Reed. “That said, we're excited for this opportunity to open up more access points for the vaccine."

A lot of people are still wondering when they will be eligible for the vaccine.

Reed says the main focus right now is still Oklahomans 65 and older.