Tulsa COVID-19 Situation Update

(TULSA, Okla.) On September 22, 2021, we reported an additional 2,232 new cases for the week among Tulsa County residents. 41 additional deaths were reported for the week, bringing the total to 1,406 lives lost in our community due to the virus. The Tulsa Health Department COVID-19 data dashboard is updated every Wednesday.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased, but remain high. Today, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the recent 3-day average for hospitalizations in Tulsa County stands at 320 individuals, with 89 patients in Intensive Care Units.

Here is a brief overview from our data team for the week of September 19-25:

• Tulsa County residents in the 18-35 age group continue to make up the majority of cases, representing 29.6% of cases.
• Since mid-August, children age 5-17 are the second-largest age bracket, with 21.7% of cases.
• The majority of cases in Tulsa County are 35 and younger, with 55.9% of cases for this time period.
• Among cases identified within high-risk settings, schools continue to be the setting with the most cases. 
• 6.7% of new hospitalizations among Tulsa County residents are very young children ages 4 and under.
• 13.3% of new hospitalizations among Tulsa County residents are age 35 and younger.
• Cases from within the City of Tulsa represent 57.7% of Tulsa County cases.
  • Cases from within the City of Broken Arrow have increased to 18.6% of Tulsa County cases
  • No other municipalities have over 5% of cases.

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.

Vaccine Distribution Update

By the Numbers

 As of Sept 26th, 72.8% of Tulsa County residents ages 12 and up have received at least one vaccine dose. 62.5% 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.

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/booster dose appointment, THD 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 over 350 local doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies, major retailers and health care systems all offering the vaccine in Tulsa County. 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.

THD Administering COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses to Certain Populations

Pfizer booster shots are recommended for some groups of people who received this vaccine: older adults ages 65+, adults age 50-64 at high risk of severe COVID-19, and adults whose jobs put them at high risk for COVID-19. Younger adults age 18-49 are also recommended to consider a booster based on an assessment of their individual benefits and risks and consultation with their medical provider.

THD Keeps Fairgoers Safe from Foodborne Illness and Offers Walk-In Vaccine Clinic

THD has a long history of working closely with the Tulsa State Fair to ensure that fairgoers can indulge in their favorite fair cuisine without fear of contracting a foodborne illness. Food inspectors will be educating fair vendors about food safety and conducting frequent inspections to ensure that the vendors are using safe food handling practices. This practice has proven very effective in protecting the public.

Seasonal Flu Shots Available October 1

Getting vaccinated against the flu is the single best way to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the illness less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the virus to family and other people.

It is recommended that all individuals over the age of six months be vaccinated against the flu this year. Persons at high risk of serious complications from flu are especially advised to get the flu vaccine, including older people, pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. Parents and family members of babies less than 6 months of age and people who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care workers, should also get the vaccine.

Flu vs COVID-19

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses are similar, the difference between them cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. People can be infected with both flu and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time and have symptoms of both influenza and COVID-19. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are     some key differences between the two. While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. This table compares COVID-19 and flu, given the best available information to date.

Can I get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes, flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines (including third doses/booster doses) can be given at the same time.

Testing, Isolation & Quarantine   

COVID-19 vaccines remain the best tool in our toolbox to end this pandemic. Masking indoors, social distancing, frequent handwashing and staying home when sick are also critical, especially while case counts, hospitalizations and deaths remain elevated in our community.

Fall brings many fun activities, gatherings and holidays. Take steps to protect yourself and your family so you can safely enjoy your favorite fall pastimes. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please seek testing since seasonal allergies can mirror COVID-19 symptoms. If you have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please seek testing.

Testing is widely available through local health care systems, pharmacies and physician’s office. The Tulsa Health Department offers testing for uninsured individuals. Information about testing can be found on our website or by calling the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355.

Please follow public health guidelines for isolation and quarantine if you are positive for COVID-19 or have been in close, prolonged contact with someone who is positive. Isolation and quarantine are essential to prevent outbreaks and slow the spread of illness. If your child is under quarantine and staying home from school, they should also stay home from sports and other activities.

Everyone must do their part so we can make it safely to the other side of this pandemic.

Third Doses/Booster Doses: What is the difference?

A third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) is identical to the first two doses. It can help protect people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses of one of the mRNA vaccines. Such people can get a third dose as soon as 28 days after a second dose. A booster dose refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then that protection may have decreased over time (this is called waning immunity). The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.

City of Tulsa Update

American Rescue Plan Act Funds

The City of Tulsa has received an initial ARPA allocation of $43,913,258 and will receive a similar payment in May 2022 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The City will use the funds to support COVID-19 response efforts and support in the economic recovery of the city. A portion of the funds was awarded to aid more than 70 local nonprofit organizations that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic to support fulfilling their mission. Using some of the funds, the City is providing stipends and retention bonuses for City of Tulsa employees to address in the hiring of critical positions. The City is also providing a stipend for employees who receive the COVID-19 vaccination.  

For more information about the ARPA report , as well as other coronavirus relief-funded programs, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/covidrelief.