OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma State Department of Health has announced plans for coronavirus vaccine distribution locations in the state as it moves into phase 2 of vaccinations that will begin with first responders and health care workers who are not in a hospital setting.
The department will establish “PODS,” or Points of Dispensing Sites, at places such as schools, community centers and fairgrounds statewide for those in the second tier, which also includes people 65 and older, according to a statement from the department on Tuesday.
“PODS will help us provide more efficient access points as we open up the vaccine to larger populations as we continue to gradually move into phase 2 priority groups and beyond,” said Dr. Lance Frye, the state health commissioner.
The vaccines are currently being administered to frontline health care workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and pharmacy staff who administer the vaccine in long-term care facilities.
The department in its weekly report said 29,725 vaccine doses have been administered as of Saturday.
State health officials reported 3,249 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Wednesday and 48 additional deaths, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to more than 287,000 and the state’s death toll to 2,453. The true number of infections in Oklahoma is likely higher because many haven’t been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Oklahoma has risen slightly over the past two weeks from 23.43 deaths per day on Dec. 15 to 23.57 deaths per day on Dec. 29, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
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