OKLAHOMA CITY — As of last week, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Oklahoma. “We have known for some time that COVID-19 is not going anywhere.

Recent COVID-19 surges have booster shots on the minds of many Oklahomans. But who should get one? While an additional SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose after initial vaccination is important for the most vulnerable, not everyone needs one just yet, say Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation experts.

Parents have gained another weapon in their arsenal for their fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years old.

The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) is providing vaccinations to keep viruses at bay this winter season. Providing both the COVID-19 vaccination and applicable additional doses, along with the seasonal flu vaccine, will protect the community from potentially dangerous viral symptoms.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The FDA and CDC issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 years. Approximately 375,000 children in Oklahoma are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

OSDH reports there are 14 additional deaths identified to report in the state of Oklahoma (744 total in the state). No deaths were identified in the past 24 hours.