State Health Department, Tulsa Nonprofit Joining Forces To Vaccinate Homeless Population

As more Oklahomans receive COVID-19 vaccines, the city is turning its attention to getting the shots to the homeless population.

Leaders at the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa nonprofit John 3:16 Mission said they are confident that they will be able to vaccinate every homeless Tulsan, but it will be easier said than done. 

“We've learned the hard way among the homeless population that they learn through word of mouth," John 3:16 Mission CEO Reverend Steve Whitaker said. “They don't listen to the radio. They might have a phone, but they don't really cruise the news stations.

Housing Solutions Tulsa reports that there are more than 1,000 Tulsans who experience homelessness.

State department of health deputy commissioner Keith Reed said getting a headcount isn't easy because many don't stay in one place for very long.

That's why they're relying on partnerships with local shelters to help them keep count.

"Now, as far as knowing whether we've gotten everybody in this population, that's going to be a continuous moving target," Reed said. 

Although the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will make containing the virus easier, the health department said one challenge will be getting those living on the street to walk in and get vaccinated.

Whitaker said the biggest obstacle going forward is constant communication with the homeless population, but he is grateful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"It's awesome one year out (that) we are contemplating giving the shot to the homeless," Whitaker said. 

From what Whitaker has seen so far, some of the population has been open to taking the vaccine.