As COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue to be held across Cleveland County, a long list of residents and a short supply of doses have prompted a change in the process.
Cleveland County health officials announced Friday that appointments will now be made by phone rather than through the mail.
Previously, those eligible for vaccination received letters in the mail telling them when and where to go for their first doses. Moving forward, Cleveland County residents will be asked to call in to make appointments.
Here are five things to know as we head into February:
1. Residents eligible to receive the vaccine are those 65 and older.
Chief COVID-19 Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler said OU Health is vaccinating less than half its estimated patient capacity due to limited vaccine doses provided by the federal government.
Chief COVID-19 Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler said OU Health is vaccinating less than half its estimated patient capacity due to limited vaccine doses provided by the federal government.
As COVID-19 vaccine distribution ramped up this week, Oklahomans over 65 who received their first doses were hoping to do their part to end the pandemic and reconnect with loved ones.
Across the state, areas are moving into Phase 2 of Oklahoma’s vaccine distribution plan. A larger group of health care workers, emergency responders and those over 65 are now eligible to get their first doses.
For Norman resident Linda Dzialo, the vaccine will bring her experience with the virus full-circle.
“I lost my husband to COVID,” she said. “And I was hospitalized with COVID and almost died. So this is very meaningful to me. I’ve been living for this day.
The Cleveland County Health Department announced a new plan on Wednesday for when COVID-19 vaccines could be available for some residents.
Last week, the Health Department announced it could be months before a majority of Cleveland County residents would be able to receive a vaccination for COVID-19. Now, after consulting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, that framework has changed.
Here are five things to know about COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the county:
Supplies are still limited
Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, distribution will be rolled out in phases.
The Health Department and the county are developing a mass vaccination plan starting later in January, starting with the oldest people in the community.