Phase 2 of the Oklahoma COVID-19 vaccination plan began Monday according to Custer County Emergency Management Director Mike Galloway.
Galloway announced this during Monday’s county commission meeting. During Phase II, the vaccine will be available to first responders, judges, medical examiners and other essential county workers.
However, Galloway said the Custer County Health Department may not have the manpower right now due to COVID-19 and staff taking some much-needed time off.
“I called this (Monday) morning, and the health department is not ready to give shots yet,” he said. “They started their meeting at 9 a.m. to decide how they will do it.”
Currently, Phase 1 of the vaccination plan still is active, but the Oklahoma Department of Health has vaccinated enough of that priority group to begin the second phase.
“There still are hospitals, nursing homes and long-term residents who have not gotten their shots, but most of them have,” Galloway said. “I believe about 120,000 shots have been given since it started 2 weeks ago.”
Galloway said Sandy Settle, local emergency response coordinator for Custer and the surrounding counties, told him the health department would begin taking first responders this Monday. However, the department is unable to take them in groups right now. Individuals need to make an appointment with the health department.
This is due to a lack of vaccine providers, not a lack of vaccines. Those who get the vaccine need to return to the same provider for a second dose from the same brand. Those who get the Moderna vaccine cannot get a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. In addition, someone who received a vaccine in Woodward should return to the same location for a second dose.
“The vaccines are coming in, but we are trying to keep the paperwork straight so the individual gets the protection they are expecting,” Galloway said.
Individuals who are in the Phase 2 priority groups should contact the local health department for more information about setting up an appointment. The Weatherford branch of the county health department is open 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at (580) 772-6417. The Clinton branch is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at (580) 323-2100.