Sen. George Burns shares information about the COVID-19 vaccine

The State Department of Health has officially released an online portal available to all Oklahomans to sign-up and schedule an appointment to receive an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

State Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, said it’s a tool that will help streamline administration of the vaccine across the state.

“The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine is happening in phases, and many have wondered when they will be eligible to receive the vaccine and how they can make an appointment,” Burns said. “Regardless if you’re a healthcare worker in phase one, or a healthy 18-year-old in phase four, you’re now able to pre-register for a vaccine online and will be notified when you are able to sign up for an appointment.”

Those wishing to take the vaccine can visit vaccinate.oklahoma.gov and pre-register. The process includes taking a questionnaire to gather information about each individual’s demographics, including age, medical history, COVID-19 history and contact information, to determine eligibility for the vaccine. 

Those currently eligible to receive the vaccine are health care workers, first responders and citizens 65 or older. Others who sign-up through the portal will be notified when they are able to make an appointment.

“While I’m thrilled this tool has launched, it’s important to remember that we can only vaccinate as our state’s supply allows,” Burns said. “Appointments will fill up quickly and will be made on a week-to-week basis after the state is notified how many doses we’ll receive in the upcoming week. If you are eligible for a vaccine right now but are unable to make an appointment because they are already filled, please keep trying each week. It’s also important to note that the vaccine is voluntary. You are not required to take it.”

Vaccines scheduled through the site will be given at one of the 70 PODS across the state. Those who don’t want to use the online scheduling tool may also call their county health department to make an appointment. Citizens in Senate District 5 may contact:

• Atoka County Health Department: 580-889-2116
• Choctaw County Health Department: 580-326-8821
• Le Flore County Health Department: 918-647-8601
• McCurtain County Health Department: 580-286-6528
• Pushmataha County Health Department: 580-298-6624

For more information about COVID-19, citizens may also visit Oklahoma.gov/COVID19 or call 211.