OKLAHOMA CITY, OklA. — The FDA authorized and the CDC approved an Emergency Use Authorization for a single booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for certain eligible individuals on Thursday. Eligible Oklahomans can begin receiving their booster dose as early as Friday, Sept. 24.
The CDC recommends the following individuals receive a booster shot:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot.
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot.
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks.
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional settings may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks.
Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner for the State Department of Health, had this to say about administering the booster doses in Oklahoma:
“With the Delta variant circulating in our communities, we encourage Oklahomans who are eligible for a booster dose to take advantage of this additional layer of protection against COVID-19. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe illness and widespread transmission of variants. For optimal protection, Oklahomans should receive all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Booster doses have to be administered at least six months after an individual’s primary series of vaccination is complete, in accordance with FDA and CDC guidelines. Verification of being high-risk is not required to receive a booster dose, and a patient can discuss their eligibility at the time of their appointment.
COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at a variety of providers in every county in Oklahoma. There are over 300 providers approved to offer the COVID-19 vaccines in Tulsa County. The Tulsa Health Department will continue to offer vaccines at a variety of locations throughout the area.
THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart gave this statement on THD beginning to administer booster doses:
"This updated guidance from CDC allows for our community members who are at highest risk for COVID-19 to receive a booster shot to help increase their protection. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. As the science and the virus evolves, so do our policies and recommendations. Booster doses are common for many vaccines. The scientists and medical experts who developed the COVID-19 vaccines continue to closely watch for signs of waning immunity, how well the vaccines protect against new mutations of the virus, and how that data differs across age groups and risk factors.”
THD will also be on-site at the SageNet Center during the Tulsa State Fair to offer a walk-in vaccine clinic for any dose to individuals who are attending the Fair. Additionally, THD will set up a temporary point-of-dispensing site at the Tulsa Technology Center Broken Arrow Campus on September 27-28. Appointments are required.
Eligible Oklahomans can find vaccine appointments in their area by visiting a local pharmacy or personal provider, using the state’s Vaccine Scheduler Portal, visiting Vaccines.gov or by calling 211.
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