State Commissioner of Health Receives COVID-19 Vaccine at Saint Francis
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye received his initial dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today at Saint Francis in Tulsa. State officials announced earlier this week that Oklahoma successfully received all of its initial allotment of 39,975 doses from Operation Warp Speed, marking the beginning of phase 1 of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.
“On Monday I had the opportunity to watch history take place as Hannah White received the first COVID-19 vaccine in Oklahoma,” said State Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye. “Today, it’s my turn, and I’m excited to help Oklahoma move one step closer toward a healthier future.”
Dr. Frye received the COVID-19 vaccine as a licensed, practicing physician involved in pandemic response as established within phase 1 of vaccine distribution in Oklahoma.
The first 7,800 doses arrived Monday morning, Dec. 14 at INTEGRIS in Oklahoma City and 9,750 doses arrived at Saint Francis. Since Monday, initial doses of the vaccine have been administered to thousands of frontline healthcare workers across the state.
Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is a critical component in ensuring efficient and effective distribution of the vaccine.
“I’d like to thank all of our vaccine administration partners, including Saint Francis, to get this long awaited vaccine to those on the frontlines. I have full confidence in the vaccine and am so excited to share my experience with my fellow Oklahomans,” said Dr. Frye. “Though we have just begun to work through Phase 1 of our plan, I am confident that, as more Oklahomans are able and willing to take the vaccine, our communities will be that much closer to getting back to normal.”
“Our healthcare workers and public health staff have been working tirelessly to keep Oklahomans safe and healthy,” said Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner of Health at OSDH. “It’s been a historic, yet emotional week for our healthcare heroes. However, we still have a long road ahead of us. We’re seeing record highs of cases and we urge Oklahomans to keep doing their part to protect each other until we can all receive the vaccine in 2021.”
The COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer requires two doses, administered three weeks apart. Limited doses of the vaccine are currently available, but the state is anticipating regular shipments in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, OSDH recommends that Oklahomans continue practicing the three w’s: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance until both doses have been received.
To view a copy of Oklahoma’s vaccine distribution plan and see a detailed breakdown of the plan’s priority phases, please visit oklahoma.gov/COVID19.
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