OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Life is starting to really feel extra regular as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, however medical specialists are warning of the threats variants of concern current to the unvaccinated.
In keeping with the latest numbers from the state, 36.7% of eligible residents are absolutely vaccinated.
“We will not simply overlook about it as a result of there’s nonetheless a menace,” mentioned Dr. George Monks, former President of the Oklahoma State Medical Affiliation.
Even because the masks have began to return off throughout the nation, Monks has remained targeted on the menace COVID-19 presents to Oklahomans.
“We have had about 40 instances of this Delta variant and it’s vital as a result of it is extra infectious and it causes extra extreme illness,” he mentioned.
The Delta Variant was initially present in India and is more likely to change into the dominant variant in the USA.
Monks says the 40 instances in Oklahoma are simply those we all know of.
“We’re the one state in the USA that has a pandemic middle and but we truly rank final in the USA within the total variety of checks we’re doing for variants of concern,” he mentioned.
Vaccines are the easiest way to guard towards these variants and the newest numbers present lower than 40% of eligible Oklahomans have rolled up their sleeves.
As different states provide incentives like lotteries to encourage of us to get their shot, Monks says that may be one thing Oklahoma ought to look into. Nevertheless, your security ought to be the most important incentive.
“Typically individuals simply need to know that it is protected and efficient they usually need the vaccine to be out for some time, however this one might be extra protected than some other vaccine we have had,” mentioned Monks. “It is very efficient at stopping extreme illness and hospitalization. It will probably save your life.”
As of the newest state epidemiology report, greater than 63% of Oklahomans ages 65 and up are absolutely vaccinated, the best proportion per age group.
The quantity drops to a bit greater than 45% for these aged 50-64.
