Tulsans over 65 begin receiving vaccine Monday as many struggle to find appointments

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — A record number of new cases in a day comes just hours before Tulsa County will expand who’s receiving the vaccine.

Tulsans are desperate to get the vaccine but many are finding out that just because you’re eligible doesn’t mean you can make an appointment.

The Tulsa Health Department will be administering 5,625 vaccines this week – half will go to healthcare facilities and be used as booster shots for those who’ve already received their first shot.

The other half was available on the state department of health’s scheduler portal, but those filled up quickly.

“When they do release the schedule dates, they fill up so fast and for me, I work during the day and it’s really hard for me to be on the computer because I’m usually with a client,” said Felicia Lincoln.

Currently, those eligible to sign up on Thursday have to wait for appointments to be updated.

The number of appointments is determined by how much the health department received from the federal government.

Lincoln doesn’t find equity in the current system.

“No, I don’t think it’s fair because when we think about the essential workers, they’re in the thick of it; they’re in the community,” said Lincoln.

People have reached out to NewsChannel 8 saying they couldn’t get an appointment in town so they’re looking outside Tulsa County.

One woman says she’s driving 100 miles to get her shot this week.

Lincoln knows just how highly competitive appointments are.

“So even if you do get on the system and you do pick the date, other people are trying to get that date,” said Lincoln.

The state health department says getting a spot isn’t just about being eligible.

“People will receive their notification that they are eligible and they can book their appointment based on the order in which they registered,” said Keith Reed with the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Currently, vaccinations aren’t moving fast enough to get everyone in the county vaccinated by the end of this year.

To get everyone the shot by the end of 2021, weekly vaccinations would have to more than double.