The first long-term care facility resident received a COVID-19 vaccination on Tuesday, as doses begin arriving at the facilities. Eighty-nine year old Frances Wantland lives at The Lodge at Brookline and was given her first dose as Governor Kevin Stitt and Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye looked on.
“Getting vaccines into nursing home and long-term care facilities is a major step forward in our fight against COVID-19,” said Stitt. “This year has been particularly hard for Oklahomans who live or work in long term care facilities, which is why I prioritized them, along with our frontline health care workers, to receive the vaccine. I’m grateful for all of our health care partners who have made today possible.”
During the press event, facility nurse Pam Byers and facility operator Chief Executive Officer Scott Pilgrim also received doses of the vaccine.
Long-term care facilities are next up in the state’s vaccination plan. The federal government has created a partnership with CVS and Walgreens to help administer the doses throughout the state.
“This marks the beginning of a new trajectory in our fight against COVID-19,” said Frye. “This year has been especially hard for those living and isolating in long-term care, and we are grateful for our federal pharmacy partners at CVS and Walgreen who have been critical in this effort. We’re hopeful that the effectiveness of this vaccine, paired with other preventative measures, will save lives and eventually allow long-term care facilities to resume regular visitations for family and loved ones.”
Oklahoma is expected to receive 44,000 doses for the inoculations in long term care facilities. Doses will be administered by CVS and Walgreens staff.
As of Tuesday, approximately 21,000 healthcare workers and first responders have been vaccinated.
