Stitt receives J&J vaccine as State Launches Phase 4

 

Oklahoma becomes one of first states to offer vaccine to all adults

 

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 29, 2021) — Governor Kevin Stitt received the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine today during a press conference in which the Oklahoma State Department of Health launched the final phase of its vaccine rollout plan.

Beginning today, all Oklahomans 16 years of age and older are now eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

“Today we are another step closer to getting our summer back,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am grateful to our health department for being relentless in their efforts to rollout the COVID vaccine in Oklahoma. Their determination is the reason why now, in Oklahoma, anyone who wants a vaccine can get one.”

Oklahoma is one of the first states to open vaccine appointments to the general public, joining peers such as Texas and Mississippi. The state has made steady progress on vaccine rollout since December, often ranking in the top 10 states in the nation for pace of vaccine administration.

“This is an incredible milestone in our state’s vaccine rollout, and it’s thanks to the collaboration of people and organizations across the state,” said State Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye. “We’re very grateful to the public health staff, county health departments, partners and volunteers who made this unprecedented public health response possible.”

The vaccine is available at no cost to all Oklahomans 16+. 16- and 17-year-olds can receive the Pfizer vaccine with parental consent and with a parent present at the vaccination site. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available to those 18+.

Oklahomans 16+ are encouraged to register through the state’s Vaccine Scheduler Portal at vaccinate.ok.gov if they haven’t done so already. After registration, they will see available phase 4 appointments on the portal starting March 29. Appointments for phases 1-3 will also remain available on the portal.

The state’s vaccine portal is just one option for scheduling an appointment — vaccine appointments are also available through many other local pandemic providers across the state. Oklahomans can ask their personal healthcare provider about the vaccine or use the federal vaccine locator at vaccinefinder.org to check for appointments at local pharmacies.

“Even with all we’ve accomplished as a state, there’s still a lot of work to be done. There are open appointments across Oklahoma right now, so I strongly encourage anyone who wants the vaccine not to wait, and to sign up today,” said Commissioner Frye. “If you’re still waiting for your vaccine, please remember to keep following the 3 W’s in the meantime: Wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.”