As vaccinations numbers continue to climb in Oklahoma, many viewers asked KOCO 5 about herd immunity. Many asked between vaccinated people and all those who have had COVID-19, why has Oklahoma not reached herd immunity?
By: Erica Rankin
The green light has been given for those ages 12 to 15 to be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
This comes after a recommendation from the FDA for emergency use authorization on Monday and approval from the CDC advisory committee on immunization practices.
“What we can be assured of is that vaccines are safe and effective,” said Buffy Heater, the OSDH assistant deputy commissioner of personal health services.
Now with those ages 12 to 15 in the state, which is just over 200,000 adolescents, will have the opportunity to get the Pfizer vaccine with a parent’s consent.
But, OSDH officials know families will face a battle when weighing the decision to vaccinate their child or not.
By: Erica Rankin
OKLAHOMA CITY -
A year into the pandemic, doctors are still learning more and more about COVID-19 every day. During the past year there has been a lot of discussion on what can protect you from the virus.
We know antibodies can, but doctors have said something else might offer up some immunity.
“There are four other coronaviruses that cause the common cold,” said Dr. Douglas Drevets, the Chief of Infectious Diseases with OU Health. “Two are similar to the COVID-19 virus right now.”
Drevets said if someone had recently had another one of the coronaviruses, they could have a degree of protection to COVID-19.
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OU Health doctor predicts Oklahoma could be among the first to reach herd immunity Angelica Brown
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During OU Health s weekly COVID-19 update, Dr. Douglas Drevets was asked if Oklahoma could be among the first to reach herd immunity. The answer may very well be yes but that would be based on a combination of factors, said Drevets.
One of which is our vaccination distribution plan. Drevets says the other is the fact that we ve had a lot of new COVID cases in the last two months. We re among the 5th in county for per capita COVID cases so as that s racing ahead, we re adding to our numbers of immune people with vaccine. So, yes I think we will be ahead of many other states in terms of finding that magic number, said Drevets. It s going to be harder and harder to find someone to infect.