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The first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines has arrived in Oklahoma
The first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Oklahoma Monday, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced in a press conference.
The FDA cleared the vaccine for emergency use late Friday night.
“Today is a historic day in our fight against COVID-19,” Stitt said. “This is a major step to get us back to normal, but I want to be very clear: we’re not going to get there overnight… It’s going to take several months to get this vaccine out to everyone, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, so we’ve got to keep pushing hard.”
Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye said the initial delivery contains 33,000 doses. He said Oklahoma could receive over 166,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of December.
The FDA will review the Moderna vaccine Thursday.
Healthcare workers and the most at-risk populations will receive vaccinations first. Ten healthcare workers are scheduled to get their first doses of the two-dose vaccine Monday.
Frye said the vaccine is only part of the solution, and everyone must still do their part.
“It is vital that Oklahomans continue to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 while this vaccine is being distributed,” Frye said. “Everyone should continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance while you wait for the vaccine.”
Dr. Douglas Drevets, OU Health chief of infectious disease services, said though the vaccine was developed quickly, no corners were cut, and it is as safe as any vaccine the FDA has approved.
“I am very confident that this vaccine is both safe and effective,” Drevets said. “The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place that ensure the safety, effectiveness and quality of all vaccines in the United States. All of these processes and safeguards were applied to this COVID-19 vaccine.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt recalled his words from April as the initial lockdowns lifted. He said then it was the end of the beginning. Monday, he said Oklahoma has reached the beginning of the end.
Holt said Monday’s events are encouraging, but this is not over yet. It will take months before the vaccine is distributed widely enough to be a major factor in slowing the spread.
Holt cautioned Oklahomans not to relax in their efforts to slow the spread.
“Just because you saw a nurse receive the vaccine on television does not mean that you have magically received the vaccine,” Holt said. “Don’t be the last soldier to die in the war where the peace treaty has already been signed.”
Oklahomans will receive the vaccine as outlined in the priority phase plan, which can be found at oklahoma.gov\covid19.