Tulsa COVID-19 Situation Update

(TULSA, Okla.) On August 25, 2021, we reported an additional 2,412 new cases for the week among Tulsa County residents. 32 additional deaths were reported for the week, bringing the total to 1,228 lives lost in our community due to the virus. The Tulsa Health Department COVID-19 data dashboard is updated every Wednesday.

COVID-19 hospitalizations remain elevated. Today, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the recent 3-day average for hospitalizations in Tulsa County stands at 456 individuals, with 137 patients in Intensive Care Units.

Here is a brief overview from our data team for the week of August 20-26th:

Cases for all age groups declined. 

The 18 - 35 age group still makes up the largest group, representing 29.5% of cases.

Children age 05 - 17 is the second largest group, representing 21.2% of cases. 

There were cases identified within high-risk settings, and schools were the most frequent high risk setting where cases were identified.

The city of Tulsa represents 62.2% of cases within Tulsa County. 

The city of Broken Arrow represents 13.6 of cases

No other municipalities represent over 5% of cases.

The minimum age of newly hospitalized patients was 23.

Specimens sent to the Public Health Lab for sequencing help public health officials identify and track emerging variants. At this time, the Delta variant is the dominant strain identified among sequenced samples.

A more in-depth review of current data and trends, including demographic information for cases, deaths and vaccinations in Tulsa County is available here. 

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.

THD Website

We are so grateful to the exceptional care our health care systems are providing to our Tulsa County residents.

Watch above to follow a patient as he is admitted to the hospital with COVID-19. His story, shown through his eyes, is the reality many of our patients face. Video distributed by Hillcrest Medical Center.

Get vaccinated if you can, don't let this happen to you or your family. And help with a reprieve to our doctors, nurses and support care who deserve a break from their endless commitment to serve others. vaccinate918.com

Vaccine Distribution Update

By the Numbers

As of Aug 30th, 69.2% of Tulsa County residents ages 12 and up have received at least one vaccine dose. 57.9% are fully immunized, according to CDC data which is the most comprehensive picture at vaccination rates. The Tulsa Health Department has administered more vaccines than any local health department in the state, and together with our partners we continue to vaccinate anyone ages 12 and up who wants to receive a shot.  View the data here.

Over the weekend, Tulsa County reached an important milestone. Just over 60% of adults 18 and older in Tulsa County are fully vaccinated. 48% of our total population is fully vaccinated, which means the majority of our residents continue to be at risk for infection. This makes it important for everyone to do their part to keep our community safe, and protect our children too young to receive a vaccination. 

FDA Approval
On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of the disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3kh9Soc.

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 can make an appointment through the Oklahoma Vaccine Portal at vaccinate.oklahoma.gov. Those 12-17 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.

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.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled here. They need to bring an ID and copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card to the appointment. Individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

If clients are experiencing issues with scheduling their third dose appointment, we received this guidance from OSDH (who manages the scheduling portal): 

If the client is new in the portal, they simply need to complete the registration and book an appointment. If the client has a link to book an appointment, even from months ago, and they have not received 2 doses in the portal, they can use the link to book an appointment.

If the client is in the portal but has completed their series (i.e., received 2 doses in the portal), then they will need to register again using a different but valid email address or phone number. They may also add a middle initial if one was not used already. Any of these three things will enable the portal to see this person as a unique registrant.

If they are still unable to make the appointment, they can call the phone bank at 918-582-9355 and our team can make the appointment over the phone.

Other Opportunities

COVID-19 vaccines are 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.Click Here to Make An Appointment

Layered Approach to Protect Against COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines are proven effective at protecting you from getting sick. The CDC has shared updated guidance for those who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination series. Based on what public health professionals know about COVID-19 vaccines, if you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public regardless of vaccination status. You should continue to wear a mask where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

As long as the Delta variant remains a threat in our community, a layered approach is necessary to stay safe. Vaccines, masking indoors regardless of vaccination status, frequent handwashing and social distancing all work in tandem to slow the spread.

Back to School Safety

THD epidemiologists continue to identify a high volume of cases in school settings. We work closely with local school administrators to provide recommendations and best practices for infection control.

Parents, please review public health recommendations for isolation and quarantine.

Do not send your child to school if they just tested positive for COVID-19.

If someone in your household is positive, your child should not be in the classroom until the appropriate quarantine is completed.

These tried and true public health measures will help prevent outbreaks from occurring within our schools. We can all do our part to keep our classrooms open by seeking a vaccination for those eligible, masking indoors, frequently washing our hands and following guidelines to stay safe.

THD, the CDC and other organizations such as the American Academy for Pediatrics, recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

THD understands parents want what is best for their child. It’s normal to have questions, and you have every right to ask them. If your child is 12 years old or order, please talk to your pediatrician about the COVID-19 vaccine. They know your child and your family and can answer any question you have about the vaccine. You can also call the Tulsa Health Department to speak to a public health professional at 918-582-9355.

Childhood Immunizations

It's never too late to get your child back on track with childhood immunizations. You’re setting them up for the best school year ever, make sure you’re also protecting them from vaccine preventable diseases by staying up to date with their vaccines.

THD is available to help with shot records and birth certificates. Appointments are required this year for services, so please plan accordingly. You can receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your child receiving their routine childhood immunizations as well. Visit tulsa-health.org/Back2School.

Get Tested

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please seek testing. If you have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please seek testing.

All local health care systems offer testing. We encourage everyone with health insurance to seek testing through their physician. THD has partnered with a local provider to make free testing available for those without health insurance, and we supplement this with free testing by appointment at our North Regional Health and Wellness Center. This is a resource for uninsured individuals seeking testing for any reason other than needing it for travel purposes. Information about testing can be found on our website or by calling the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355.COVID-19 TestingIf you test positive, it’s important to remain home for the remainder of your isolation period so you don’t infect others. Contact your provider for guidance about managing your symptoms and possible early treatment.

If your condition worsens, seek medical care immediately.

The vast majority of hospitalized individuals are unvaccinated. This is preventable, and is straining our local health care system. Hospital stays are expensive and extremely hard on families. Please, don’t let this happen to your family. Encourage everyone in your family and social circle to be vaccinated.

Vaccine Cards

If you have misplaced your COVID-19 vaccine card, there are two options for a replacement:
1. Go online: bit.ly/OKShotRecord
2. Visit Our Clinics: bit.ly/THDClinics

Please note: This applies to vaccines entered in the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS), and does not include all doses administered by federal and tribal entities.

City of Tulsa Update

On, August 25th, the Tulsa City Council voted 9 to 0 to approve a mask and vaccination resolution within Tulsa city limits regarding COVID-19 mitigation based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It encourages Tulsans to wear a mask in public settings and encourages all eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Read more and the full resolution here.

The City is enforcing its trespassing laws at any business who wishes to require masks in their establishment. To learn more about mask-wearing in Tulsa and to find updated ‘Face Coverings Required’ posters and flyers that anyone can post at their business or event, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/masks.