Tulsa County COVID-19 Situation Update

(TULSA, Okla.) On Wednesday, the Tulsa Health Department reported an additional 617 new cases for the week among Tulsa County residents with a cumulative total of 111,492 confirmed cases. 8 additional deaths were reported for the week, bringing the total to 1,766 lives lost in our community due to the virus. The Tulsa Health Department COVID-19 data dashboard is updated every Wednesday.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported the recent 3-day average for hospitalizations in Tulsa County at 138 individuals, with 54 patients in Intensive Care Units.

Here is a brief overview from our data team for the week of November 21-27th:

The youngest newly identified case was less than 1 years old, and the average age of cases is 39 years old.

The age group with the largest percentage of cases is the 18 - 35 age group with 33.2% of cases

The next largest group is the 36 - 49 age group with 20.1% of cases

Those under age 17 makes up nearly 15% of cases (14.7%)

Those aged 65 and older make up only 12.7% of all cases

The city of Tulsa represents 55.9% of cases in Tulsa County.  This is a decrease from the previous week, where Tulsa represented 57.4% of cases

Broken Arrow represents 17.5% of cases.  This is an increase from the previous week where Broken Arrow represents 15.6% of cases.

No other municipality represents over 5% of cases.

Vaccine Distribution Update

By the Numbers
As of November 9th, 67.8% of Tulsa County residents total population have received at least one vaccine dose. 56% 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 5 and up who wants to receive a shot. View the data here.

Scheduling An Appointment
THD 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 5-17 years old will need a parent or legal 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 or by calling 918-582-9355. Individuals 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 any dose is appropriate for them.

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. 

Emerging Variants

Omicron is a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Omicron variant has been detected in Africa, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, Canada and just earlier today, a case was confirmed in California. There have been no confirmed cases in Oklahoma at this time. Testing helps public health officials identify and track variants, so it’s important to seek testing if you have symptoms.

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. Based on what we currently know, the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 and its variants. Everyone 5 and older should get fully vaccinated and boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

Everyone 18 years and older should get a COVID-19 booster shot. According to the latest CDC guidance, some groups should get a booster, and some groups may get a booster based on assessment of their individual risks and benefits. CDC recommendations on booster doses are based on the latest data with the goal of ensuring that people have optimal protection against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death.

People who should get a booster:

All Johnson & Johnson recipients age 18 and older, at least 2 months after initial shot

All Moderna and Pfizer recipients age 18 and older, at least 6 months after second shot

The vaccines work. The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the delta variant. CDC data show that in August 2021, the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. was more than 11 times greater for unvaccinated people than for fully vaccinated people. However, scientists are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations. This waning of the efficacy of the vaccine is the reason for the new guidance on booster doses. 

Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. Protect yourself and your community by wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Other ways to brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority is taking steps to improve your overall health. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. 

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. 

Manage stress by giving yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep. 

Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. 

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. 

Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same. 

Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history. 

Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. 

Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents. 

Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. 

Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly. 

Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly. 

Eat healthy and stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. 

Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

If You Traveled Over Thanksgiving, Take Precautions

Travelers should continue to follow CDC guidance for traveling, along with state and local travel return requirements. After a trip, travelers are recommended to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; and isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status) before you travel by air into the U.S., and show your negative result to the airline before boarding. The CDC recommends that all travelers returning from international travel get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after travel. 

If you are not fully vaccinated, the CDC also recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after returning from travel (domestic or international), and to stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

Seasonal Flu Shots Available Now

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.