State Dept. Of Health Prepares To Distribute COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Oklahoma State Health Department said COVID-19 booster shots could be given out by them starting the week of September 20th.

Thursday afternoon, state health leaders provided an update on COVID-19 and vaccination numbers across the state.

Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said they continue to see a recent increase in vaccination rates.

Since the first week of July, Reed said there's been a 137% increase in first-time vaccine doses. Now, about 63% of adults across Oklahoma have received at least one dose.

Reed said they're also preparing to give out booster doses to Oklahomans who received the shot when the vaccine first came out.

The CDC now recommends getting a booster dose eight months after receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Reed said they have so much supply in the state, he does not anticipate problems with people scheduling or receiving a booster shot, especially since it'll be spread out.

"Now, not only do we have the supply, but we also have many, many pandemic providers around the state,” said Reed. “So, we anticipate that we can basically operate with a pretty rapid rollout."

The state health department also finished a survey of hospitals this week.

They've determined there are 5,913 staffed hospital beds statewide. About 22 percent of those have COVID-19 patients.