Health Leaders Urge More 16 and 17-Year-Old Oklahomans To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Of the 1.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses given throughout the state, more than 4,700 have been for 16- and 17-year-olds.

That age group became eligible just two weeks ago.

The Tulsa Health Department told News On 6 more than 500 16 and 17-year-olds in Tulsa County have received at least their first dose. Health leaders hope more will sign up despite some challenges.

16-year-old Abbie Shaughnessy said she is relieved to get her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

"I don't have to worry about like, 'Has this person been vaccinated, or has this person had COVID? Are they putting me at risk? Are they putting my family at risk?" said Shaughnessy.

The Tulsa teen said she wants to protect her brother, who has an autoimmune disease.

Shaughnessy also said while most of her friends have either gotten vaccinated or plan to, she knows some who are on the fence.

"Hopefully some of that fear will go away after they see other people their age, ‘Oh, they're fine’” said Shaughnessy.

According to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as of March 20, of the 105,000 16 and 17-year-olds in Oklahoma, more than 4,700 have received their first Pfizer dose.

About 400 are fully vaccinated.

Ellen Niemitalo with the Tulsa Health Department said more than 500 16 and 17-year-olds in Tulsa County have gotten at least their first shot.

"It is a little bit of a difficulty because the Pfizer is the only vaccine that is approved for 16 and 17-year-olds," said Niemitalo.

Niemitalo said THD primarily uses the Pfizer vaccine. She said common questions have been about the side effects and safety.

Those are concerns that made Michael Smith, who will turn 16 in May, hesitant, but now that relatives have received it, he is more confident.

"I think it's a good idea to get the vaccine,” said Smith. “Personally, my parents, my dad and my mother, have got it, so probably when I turn 16, I will get it."

For 16 and 17-year-olds to get vaccinated, they must have an ID to prove their age and also a parent or guardian there to sign for consent.