OSDH: 8% Of Oklahomans Not Showing Up For Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

As the state continues to work toward reaching herd immunity, health officials said some people aren’t showing up for their second shots.

OSDH Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed noted they are seeing the same things in our state that is happening around the nation; about 8% of people are not showing up for their second dose appointments.

“They get entered into our system they get text reminders about their second doses so there are definitely reminders that go out about the second dose,” Reed said.

Reed noted he doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that thousands aren’t showing up for shot number two.

“I don’t think it is something that should be an indication that it slipped someone’s mind,” said Reed. “I think most people that aren’t getting their second dose are aware of it.”

Reed said one dose is better than no dose as vaccine uptake in the state continues to decrease.

“I don’t know that frustrated is the word I would say. I am disappointed that we aren’t vaccinating more people rapidly,” said Reed.

At our peak in vaccinations, four to six weeks ago, Reed said the state’s daily average was about 28,000 shots. As of Tuesday, that number is down more than half at 10,000 to 11,000 shots a day.

“We all wish that we had the rush on the vaccine still that we had, because we have enough supply in our state,” said Dr. Lance Frye, the state Commissioner of Health.

So far in the state, more than 2.7 million doses have been administered. OSDH officials have made their goal to reach 3 million doses by Memorial Day.