Virus vaccine for Oklahoma kids 12 and up expected soon

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine could be available to kids ages 12 and up in Oklahoma as soon as Thursday, according to deputy Oklahoma health commissioner Keith Reed.

The state health department’s portal for vaccine registration will be opened to the younger ages when federal health advisers, who were meeting Wednesday, recommend approval to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Reed told the Tulsa World.

“Parents will then be able to register their children and access locations to receive the Pfizer vaccine,” Reed said. “Additionally, systems outside the state’s portal should provide opportunity for appointment scheduling. Walk-in appointments are also available in abundance.”

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized use of Pfizer’s vaccine in younger teens after a study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found it offers strong protection.

Nearly 2.8 million vaccine doses have been administered in Oklahoma, including more than 1.5 million people receiving at least one dose and more than 1.2 million fully vaccinated, according to the state health department.

The health department on Wednesday reported 450,543 total virus cases since the pandemic began and 8,343 COVID-19 deaths, based on information provided to the CDC.