270 Million Americans Vaccinated: Tulsa County Prepares for Post-COVID-19 Era
Nearly 270 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19, marking a significant milestone in the nation's fight against the pandemic. As the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 nears its end on May 11, 2023, health authorities in Tulsa County are preparing for the future.
COVID-19 testing remains widely accessible in Tulsa County, with local healthcare systems, doctors' offices, pharmacies, and mobile testing units all providing services. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) will continue to monitor the virus and work to protect high-risk populations even after the PHE expires. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the current Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines for all ages, ensuring ongoing vaccine safety and effectiveness.
If you test positive for COVID-19, isolation and masking are crucial to prevent spread. Those exposed to the virus should also wear masks and get tested after five days, regardless of symptom presence. While the responsibility for contact tracing after May 2023 remains unclear, health officials emphasize personal responsibility in preventing transmission. Since the Omicron surge peak in late January 2022, reported cases, deaths, and hospitalizations have dropped significantly by 92%, over 80%, and nearly 80% respectively.
The THD will continue offering federally funded COVID-19 vaccines at no direct cost to recipients. While Medicare recipients may lose free at-home test access after May 11, 2023, some health insurance providers may still cover them. As the PHE ends, personal vigilance and vaccination remain key to managing COVID-19's impact on public health.
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