COVID numbers trending down in Oklahoma; Third vaccine could arrive soon

TULSA — For the first time in months, several key numbers used to track the pandemic in Oklahoma have declined.

That has some in the medical community cautiously optimistic, and it’s not the only good news.

KRMG In-Depth Report: Good news on COVID numbers, and a potential third vaccine

There are indications that a vaccine in development by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson, could receive emergency use authorization from the FDA and go into distribution in a matter of weeks.

For Oklahoma Deputy Health Commissioner Keith Reed, that would be a game changer.

“Johnson & Johnson is said to be coming out with a vaccine that is a single dose,” Reed said Wednesday, “and I can not, I can not even express how much I would love to have a single-dose vaccine right now, for us logistically and for Oklahomans as well.”

Doctor Dale Bratlzer, Chief COVID Officer at OU Health, told KRMG Friday he’s heard that the new vaccine seems to be highly effective, as well.

“It appears to be very effective, in the 80-90 percent range,” he said. “I think we’re going to know very soon, because they will be developing their data to present to the FDA.”

That could potentially happen early next month, with some projecting that the new vaccine could arrive in Oklahoma before the end of March.

In the meantime, Dr. Bratzler urges Oklahomans not to relax their guard.

“Even though the numbers look better, we can’t let down our vigilance right now,” he said. “Otherwise, we could see an uptick in the cases again. We just don’t want to go back to where we were.”

Cox Media Group