TULSA, OK – [June 21, 2022] – On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved expansion of the emergency use authorization for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to include children as young as six months old for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). On June 18, 2022, the CDC Director endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination.
Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.
The Tulsa Health Department anticipates receiving the vaccines within a week and will begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages six months and older as soon as the vaccine is received.
“We welcome the opportunity to expand the protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine to more community members,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “As of June 14, 2022, 83% of Tulsa County population age 5 and over have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. By expanding eligibility to children as young as six months of age, we will be able to prevent more infections, hospitalizations and deaths within our community.”
COVID-19 has become one of the top 10 causes of pediatric death, and tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized because of the virus. While children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, the effects of the virus are unpredictable. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines are available on an appointment basis at the following Tulsa Health Department locations. To make an appointment, visit vaccinate918.com. Those 17 and under must have parent or guardian present for consent to receive the vaccine.
James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
Central Regional Health Center | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
“Vaccinations will continue to be available through existing locations, including not only THD clinics, but also primary care providers, local pharmacies and health centers to provide multiple avenues and opportunities for immunization,” added Dart. “The vaccine is safe and effective. It’s more convenient than ever to receive one. It’s normal to have questions, and I encourage parents to turn to trusted resources like your child’s pediatrician.”
More information regarding vaccine clinic locations in Tulsa County can be found at vaccinate918.com. Call 918-582-9355 to speak to a public health professional. For more information about COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 page.
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