Every Oklahoman 16 And Up Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday

A major milestone announced Tuesday in the fight against COVID-19. Beginning Monday, every Oklahoman over the age of 16 will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

It’s one of the many moments’ health officials have waited months for.

“Now is the time to get vaccinated, now is the time to step up,” said Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner at the Oklahoma State Department of Health in a virtual press conference. “We have vaccine supply that is coming in at a good steady pace right now.”

A major milestone, yes, but health officials aren’t letting their guard down just yet. There is still a long way to go in ending the pandemic.

“Because we are opening up to everyone, doesn’t mean that there is not a sense of urgency to get people vaccinated,” said Reed. “We are opening it up because we want to get as many people vaccinated as possible. We want to stop transmission of COVID in the community.”

Sixteen- and 17-year old’s must be cautious when scheduling. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine aren’t approved for that age group.

“We have one vaccine which is Pfizer vaccine that is approved for 16- and 17-year old’s,” said Reed. “Sixteen and 17-year-olds would be eligible to get vaccinated, the only restriction of that is that they may need to be matched up with the Pfizer vaccine.

Local health officials echo the CDC by urging the public to continue mask wearing, even post vaccination.

It’s a light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.

“Remember that it takes about 14 days following your final dose for your body to produce an optimal immune response,” said Reed. “If possible, wait 14 days to gather with others, especially if they haven’t received the vaccine yet.”

Reed said the state has not reached heard immunity just yet. Predicting when is difficult.

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