© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State, Tulsa Health Department Open COVID Vaccinations To Ages 12–15

CVS Health

Updated May 13, 4:55 p.m.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tulsa Health Department announced late Wednesday they will start offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 12 to 15 years old on Thursday.

The announcements came after a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel recommended use of the vaccine for that age group. The Food and Drug Administration expanded its emergency use authorization for the vaccine earlier this week.

"This is great news for our state," Deputy State Health Commissioner Keith Reed said in a statement. "Expanding the age range for this vaccine will help us protect more people and further slow the spread of COVID-19."

"We welcome the opportunity to expand the protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine to more community members," THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart said in a statement. "The Tulsa Health Department and local health care providers have administered more than 417,595 doses in Tulsa County. By expanding eligibility to 12- to 15-year-olds, we will be able to prevent more infections, hospitalizations and deaths within our community."

Oklahomans 12 to 15 years old and their parents will be able to make Pfizer vaccine appointments in the vaccinate.oklahoma.gov portal starting Thursday morning. The state health department is considering other avenues for getting the vaccine to youths, including special mass vaccination sites in partnership with school districts. 

THD will offer the Pfizer vaccine to 12- to 15-year-olds at several locations on an appointment basis. Appointment information is available at vaccinate918.com.

Parents and their eligible children can also walk in at the Community Vaccination Center at the Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus, 3727 E Apache St. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Local pharmacies, health centers and doctors are also offering vaccinations.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
Related Content