THD Public Health Emergency Preparedness Update

(TULSA, Okla.) At our press conference on Thursday, we reported 1,033 Tulsa County residents have died and 74,049 residents have tested positive as of April 28th. The Tulsa Health Department COVID-19 data dashboard is updated every Wednesday.

At this time, we would like to give an overview of how Tulsa County breaks down in terms of the percentages of cases, deaths and vaccinations by demographic characteristics. When we examine the percentages of cases and deaths by race and compare them with the overall racial breakdown in Tulsa County, we see that:

White residents account for 70% of the population in Tulsa County and 55% of the cases, 76.4% of the deaths and 62.2% of the vaccinations.

Black or African American account for a little over 10% of the population and 7.3% of the cases, 8.4% of the deaths and 5.1% of the vaccinations.

American Indian or Alaskan Natives account for 5% of the population of Tulsa County and 4.1% of the cases, 5.9% of the deaths and 3.8% of the vaccinations.

Asian residents make up 3.4% of the total population of Tulsa County and account for 3.5% of the total cases, 2% of the total deaths

When we look at vaccinations within the populations of each race, we see that

31.9% of the white population have reportedly been vaccinated.

Black or African American population in Tulsa County, we see that 18.2% have reportedly been vaccinated.

For the American Indian/Alaskan Native population 27.4% have reportedly been vaccinated.

Within the Asian population 36.3% have reportedly been vaccinated.

In terms of Ethnicity, we find that residents of Hispanic ethnicity make up 12.7% of the population of Tulsa County and account for 13.4% of the total cases, and 4% of the total deaths.

19.1% of the Hispanic population has been vaccinated.

39% of the population of females in Tulsa County have been vaccinated. Within the male population 32.5% have reportedly been vaccinated.

Looking at cases, deaths and vaccinations within the populations of notable age groups, we see that cases have been reported in 10.5% of the population 65 and older, 0.9% of this population have died and 84.1% of this population has been vaccinated.

The interactive Tulsa County Zip Code Case Map is updated weekly on Wednesdays. This map reflects the weekly active case rate per 1,000 residents. There are 11 in the green, 25 yellow, and 6 orange. View the public health guidance for the risk in your zip code on our webpage.

By the Numbers

Tulsa County continues to make great progress in vaccine administration. As of April 26th, 43.2% of Tulsa County residents age 16+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. 35.1% are fully immunized. That number is according to the Oklahoma State Immunization System, which does not include vaccines administered by the federal pharmacy program or tribal partners. We are incredibly grateful to the vast network of partners actively engaged in vaccine administration.

In the race to herd immunity, our goal is continue the momentum for vaccine administration. There is plenty of vaccine available right here in Tulsa County. It’s now as accessible as a seasonal flu vaccine, with local doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies, major retailers and health care systems all offering the vaccine.

Do not wait. It is easier than ever to access the COVID-19 vaccine, and with so many providers offering the vaccine there is very little to no wait time. You can quickly get in, receive your vaccine, wait the required 15 minute observation period, and get on with the rest of your day.

The COVID-19 vaccine is completely free to everyone. THD collects insurance information in order to recoup some administrative fees, but you are not required to have insurance. There is no out-of-pocket expense for anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine.

Scheduling An Appointment

THD now has COVID-19 vaccine clinics at four of its main sites: James O. Goodwin Health Center, Central Regional Health Center, North Regional Health and Wellness Center and Sand Springs Health Center. Appointments are required to receive the vaccine at the THD vaccine clinic. Anyone over the age of 16 can make an appointment through the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov. Those 16 and 17 years old will need a parent or guardian present for consent to receive the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine is recommended for those 18 years and older.

Click Here to Make An Appointment

The Community Vaccination Center at the TCC Northeast Campus is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 am to 7 pm, for anyone to walk in and get a vaccine. No appointment is necessary.

Other Appointment Opportunities in Tulsa Co

Using the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal is a way to schedule an appointment with a local county health department. There are other ways to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. View opportunities at bit.ly/VaxTulsaCo or VaccineFinder.org. You can visit these resources or you can also call us at 918-582-9355 during regular business hours, or call 211 at any time.

Free Rides to Appointments

LIFE Senior Services is offering free rides to area seniors age 62+ in need of transportation to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Call their SeniorLine at 918-664-9000 to book a ride; recommended notice of 48 hours in advance of appointment.

Resources and Questions

It’s normal to have questions about the vaccine. Talk to your personal doctor or health care provider, or call the Tulsa Health Department to speak with a public health professional. We want to empower everyone with the information they need to feel confident in their decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and proven effective at preventing disease, hospitalization and death.

211 is also a resource to help people with their questions and help make an appointment over the phone.

The best place for information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Tulsa County is our website: tulsa-health.org/COVIDvaccine.

Beware of Scams

Please be cautious of scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Any advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine in exchange for payment are entirely fraudulent. Oklahoma State Department of Health does not require payment for vaccine registration.

Follow the Three W's

In the meantime, it’s vital that Oklahomans continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Everyone should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands and watch their distance as ways to truly prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These actions, in conjunction with the vaccine plan, will make a huge difference in keeping our families and communities safe and healthy in the long term.

Johnson & Johnson Janssen Vaccine Update

On April 23, a CDC panel recommended that the pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine be lifted. The panel also recommended that a warning label be added to the vaccine packaging noting the very rare blood clotting disorder risk. Based on the panel’s recommendation, the FDA ended the pause; states and local jurisdictions can now resume use of the J&J vaccine.

The Tulsa Health Department has resumed offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in our four local health department vaccine clinics. Anyone who receives their COVID-19 vaccine from THD will be able to choose from Pfizer, Moderna or J&J while supplies are available.

The 10-day pause gave health officials time to review additional data to better understand the degree of risk associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine related to a blood clotting disorder. It also gave federal agencies and the medical community time to determine and share information on the most appropriate treatment response. During that time, nine additional cases of the clotting disorder were identified, bringing the total number of known cases to 15 (among the nearly 7 million people who received the vaccine).

The decision to lift the pause is based on the experts’ determination that the benefits of again administering the vaccine greatly outweigh the very small degree of risk associated with its use, particularly now that the risk and treatment protocols are better understood. The risk of blood clotting is much higher for people who contract COVID than it is for people who receive the J&J vaccine.

Masks and Special Events

Ending the pandemic will take a layered approach, with a combination of community mitigation efforts like vaccines, masks, hand washing, and social distancing.

This week, the CDC has updated guidance for wearing masks. We now know that vaccinated individuals can safely gather, mask-free, with other vaccinated individuals. Fully vaccinated individuals can safely attend small outdoor gatherings without a mask. Masks are still recommended in these settings for unvaccinated people. Masks are still recommended in most indoor settings, unless it is a small gathering of fully vaccinated individuals.

Regardless of a city or county mask ordinance, the Tulsa Health Department continues to recommend that everyone follow the scientific recommendations of medical professionals and continue to follow CDC guidelines for mask wearing.

Masks are required for all employees, clients and visitors to all Tulsa Health Department locations. I encourage business owners to continue to follow the science and recommend mask-wearing in accordance with CDC guidelines.

The Tulsa Health Department has reviewed the safety plans for more than 350 local businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, special events and venues. We will gladly review your organization’s safety plan, and will continue to work with large events to ensure their safety plan is in accordance with CDC guidelines and best practices. At this time, we are recommending large venues limit capacity to 50% to ensure adequate space for social distancing. Our team works closely with venues and event organizers to make public health recommendations to keep everyone safe.

Mother's Day and travel

Last year, we strongly recommended virtual celebrations for spring holidays like Mother’s Day. This year, it is encouraging to know that vaccinated family members can safely gather to celebrate.

Fully vaccinated people can travel safely within the U.S. and internationally when following all the necessary safety measures. If you are travelling domestically, you don’t need to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine after travel.

We are all eager to move beyond COVID-19, and the vaccine is our best shot to get back to some of the best things we enjoy in life. Please, talk to your doctor or trusted medical professional. Let’s continue to follow the science, follow the data, and follow the advice of medical professionals.

This week, we’re highlighting the stories of those who came to the new Community Vaccination Center. #OurShot918

✅ Find an appointment: bit.ly/VaxTulsaCo

✅ Share your story: http://bit.ly/OurShot918

For more updates, click here: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/press-room/covid-19-situation-update-april-29-2021/