Oklahoma Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to Teachers and Vulnerable Adults
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has expanded Phase 2 of the State's priority population framework. Now, teachers and staff in Pre-K-12 schools, along with Oklahomans aged 16 and over with certain health conditions, are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, Tulsa County's vaccination efforts continue, with various organizations administering doses to school staff.
In Tulsa County, Saint Francis Health System, Passport Health, and Total Wellness are working together to vaccinate eligible school staff and teachers. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) continues to offer testing by appointment only. Across Oklahoma, the responsibility for vaccine management in schools varies by region and state laws. Local health authorities and school districts typically coordinate and administer vaccination campaigns, often collaborating with other local organizations to ensure fair and efficient distribution. The Oklahoma Vaccine Portal and pandemic partners are now scheduling appointments for these newly eligible groups. Due to recent weather conditions, some appointments have been rescheduled, with make-up dates at the Lower Level River Spirit Expo and Expo Square Pavilion. As of February 19th, over 89,000 teachers and staff, and more than 1 million Oklahomans with comorbidities, are now eligible for vaccination. The goal is to ensure all eligible staff receive at least their first dose by the end of March. Currently, 15.5% of Tulsa County residents aged 16 and over, and 50.5% of those aged 65 and over, have received at least one dose.
The expansion of Oklahoma's vaccination program to include more educators and vulnerable residents is a significant step towards herd immunity. With continued collaboration between local health authorities, school districts, and other organizations, the state aims to vaccinate all eligible individuals promptly and fairly.
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