TULSA, Okla. — Governor Kevin Stitt said teachers and school workers of all ages will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines starting later this month.
He said starting February 22nd those people as well as all Oklahomans with comorbidities will be eligible for the vaccine.
“It’s been two months since we received the first doses of the COVID vaccine and since then, we’ve come a long way,” said Stitt. “I am proud to announce the vaccine will be available to Oklahomans with comorbidities as well as educators and school staff. We are one step closer to giving every parent in the state the option to send their kids back to the classroom.”
Eligibility in each of these groups is outlined in Oklahoma’s distribution plan as the following:
- Oklahomans under 65 with comorbidities: Older adults and adults with one or multiple comorbid conditions including but not limited to hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, Down syndrome, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung, liver or renal disease, cancers, who are at high risk of mortality and severe morbidity resulting from COVID infection.
- Teachers and staff in Pre-K-12 schools and educational settings: Workers within public and private Pre-K-12 schools, for whom exposure is very difficult to control due to the nature of their institutions, and who serve an important societal role ensuring educational needs are met.
“Over the last month the state has worked diligently with our pandemic partners to get vaccines into the arms of Oklahomans who are most at risk, and can confidently say we have administered vaccine to nearly 50% of those in our 65+ group,” said State Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye. “We are proud of the progress that has been made so far in protecting our most vulnerable Oklahomans, and we feel ready to make this life-saving vaccine available to two of our next priority groups that are at high risk of exposure.”
"Our teachers and support staff deserve and need to work in a safe and secure environment. Giving them this opportunity to receive the vaccine as soon as reasonably possible is critical. While in-person school is more dependent on COVID mitigation strategies such as masks and social distancing, ensuring the vaccination of teachers is vital to keeping school doors open. I urge all Oklahomans, teachers and non-teachers alike, to welcome the vaccine as soon as they are eligible,” said State School Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.
To register for the vaccine go to the Oklahoma Health Department website: HERE.
Trending Stories:
- School closings in Green Country due to weather
- DOWNLOAD the 2 Works for You app for alerts
- Vacuworx helps other Tulsa companies in pandemic
- FOLLOW 2 Works for You on Facebook
- City of Tulsa treating roads, says supplies are good
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
