TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Health Department’s Executive Director, Dr. Bruce Dart, received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Friday.
“We know that this vaccine is safe and effective, and we know that COVID can be a very serious illness for many people – and I don’t want to get sick. I encourage everybody to also get this vaccine,” said Dr. Dart. “I lost my mother in February. I’ve seen my father once since then, because of COVID. I got this vaccine so I can actually go and hug my dad.”
Dr. Dart registered in the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH)’s Oklahoma Vaccine Portal and received an email with a link to schedule since he met eligibility requirements of being in the current priority group in phase 2, according to THD officials.
The new portal allows Oklahomans to register for the vaccine, find out their eligibility in each priority group and see where they can receive the vaccine. Also, people will provide their contact information to receive updates and notifications from OSDH when it's their turn to get the vaccine.
The decision to expand into additional priority groups is made by OSDH for the entire state. Current priority groups that are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine appointments:
- Healthcare workers
- Expanded healthcare worker group such as allied health fields and general outpatient health service (i.e. behavioral health, dentists)
- First responders
- Adults age 65+
According to the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS), THD has administered 7,383 vaccines to date. There have been 27,047 doses administered in Tulsa County and documented in OSIIS as of Jan. 13.
Additionally, THD is working with health care partners to arrange for vaccine clinics specifically for Tulsa County teachers and staff who are age 65 and older, along with licensed Long Term Care facilities who are not registered under the federal program. THD is working with all Tulsa County school districts to provide information regarding how to access those mobile sites.
READ MORE: Tulsa Public Schools partners with health department to offer staff, 65 and older, COVID-19 vaccine
THD officials said individuals must have an appointment to receive their first-dose vaccine.
If individuals received their first dose with the Tulsa Health Department, at this time, they can return to the same location 21 (Pfizer) or 28 (Moderna) days after their first dose. Do not schedule an appointment through the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal. THD requests that these individuals time it at the same time as their first appointment and bring their vaccine card with them. Call 918-582-9355 with questions.
The Tulsa Health Department continues to offer specimen collection for COVID-19 testing by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online or call 918-582-9355.
For more information, visit www.tulsa-health.org.
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