Oklahoma opened coronavirus vaccine eligibility to all adults on Monday, and Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt took advantage. He got the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine on camera.
"I’m trying to lead by example, so that’s why I’m doing it today," Stitt said. "We think all three vaccines are safe. That's why I'm stepping up."
According to an NPR / PBS NewsHour / Marist survey, Republican men are the most reluctant to get the coronavirus vaccine. 49% of Republican men said they would not get vaccinated, compared to 30% of all adults.
Clinics across Oklahoma are offering the coronavirus vaccines toeveryone 16 years and older, regardless of phase. The state joined Alaska, Arizona, Mississippi and Texas in opening vaccine elgibility to the general public.
Health officials say to protect the community, residents should get their shots at the soonest possible appointment.
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for people 16 and older, while Moderna and Johnson & Johnson's vaccines are for those 18 and older. Vaccine trials are still underway for children.
Vaccines are available through many doctors and pharmacies or you can use the state's appointment portal at vaccinate.ok.gov or the federal vaccine locator at vaccinefinder.org.
More than 30 percent of Oklahomans have received at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine.
---
Support this vital local reporting with a donation to KOSU. Click here to give.