COVID-19 vaccine available throughout Southwest Oklahoma

Oklahoma District 5 county health departments will be at several communities next week to offer COVID-19 vaccines. On Monday, the Comanche County Health Department will be at the northwest lobby entrance of Lawton City Hall from 9 a.m. to noon. Afterward, the county will return every 1st and 15th of the month. Anyone 12 years and older can receive the vaccine at no cost, and no appointments are needed. Under 18 must have a parent/guardian present.

Health department officials will also have a dozen pop-up mobile sites throughout Southwest Oklahoma this week. The goal is to make it as convenient as possible for everyone in the community who wants the COVID-19 vaccine.

The District 5 County Health Departments have also scheduled nearly 20 special mobile vaccine clinics in an effort for distributing the Pfizer vaccine to school students ages 12 to 17, with parental consent. The Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines are still both currently authorized only for use in those older than 18 years old.

"This is great news for our state," said Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed. "Expanding the age range for this vaccine will help us protect more people and further slow the spread of COVID-19."

“Fully vaccinated children and adolescents are no longer required to quarantine after exposure to a case of COVID-19. This means children who are fully vaccinated can safely participate in summer camp, sports, and remain in the classroom this fall, even after exposure to a case of COVID-19. The data shows that while transmission of COVID-19 can still occur once you are vaccinated, it is much less likely,” said Brandie Combs, District 5 Regional Director.

“COVID-19 and other vaccines can now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and other vaccines on the same day,” said Combs.

In our area this week the vaccine will be given at the Kiowa, Jackson and Tillman County Health departments Monday – Friday with appointments and walk-in times 8a.m.-4p.m. Except Tillman County which will be there every day except Thursday when they will be at the Tillman County Food Bank from 2:30pm – 4:30pm.

In addition there will be a site open in Jackson County at the Altus United Broadway from 10am-noon.

The confirmed vaccination sites at school campuses in the area include Tipton Public Schools, Tillman County – in the Hanna Center, Wednesday from 1-3 pm and Mt. View–Gotebo Schools, Kiowa County, at the gym, from 1 pm–3 pm Thursday.
These school sites are open to the public and anyone 12 years and older is eligible to receive a vaccine.