Oklahoma could soon see shipments of the new single-shot coronavirus vaccine from Johnson & Johnson as early as next week.
Federal regulators are expected to approve emergency use of a Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine in the next few days. It would join vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that have been approved for use in the United States.
Deputy Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said that the company would release doses nearly immediately.
"We're hearing that we might get as much as 30,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson next week, which would be fantastic," said Reed.
That vaccine requires only one dose and does not require ultra cold storage. Reed said it would be ideal for more vulnerable populations, but that it is as good a choice as the Pfizer and Moderna for all Oklahomans.
Reed said, in addition to the projected Johnson & Johnson shipments, they're expecting another increase in vaccine supply for next week.
"We're probably going to get around 145,000 doses next week," said Reed.
More than one million Oklahomans became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week, including K-12 educators and adults with comorbidities. And now, they can anticipate having more opportunities to sign up for appointments on the state’s online portal.
State health officials say they've made up many of the cancelled appointments from last week's winter storm.
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