Panel Addresses Skepticism Over COVID-19 Vaccines In Central Oklahoma

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department and other health officials are fighting to calm fears over the COVID-19 vaccines, especially within minority communities.

Panelists said 75% to 85% of Oklahomans need to get the vaccine before life can get back to normal.

For that to happen, the panel said they will keep having these conversations and sessions to address skepticism and build trust within the black and brown communities.

“What makes this different is that we are all in this together. We are all trying to do our best for the health of all of our communities,” said David Conkerite with OU Health.       

The panel also encouraged people with other health issues to get the vaccine because of the higher risk.

They said the most common side effects are pain, swelling and redness around the injection site.

Chills, fatigue and headache are also common.

The panel advised they're seeing stronger side effects if any with the second booster dose.

The vaccine has been administered to nearly a 100,000 Oklahomans so far.

The state health department encourages those to continue to sign up on their portal to get notified when you can get a vaccine.

Click here to view the appointment scheduler and questionnaire.