‘To get started on the finish line’: 91-year-old Oklahoma woman gets first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
More than 150,000 Oklahomans have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, even as others struggle to find an appointment.
KOCO 5 was given an exclusive look inside one of the big vaccine pods, at Mercy Hospital’s clinic in northwest Oklahoma City. They vaccinated about 1,000 people Thursday.
One of them, 91-year-old Ruth Strange, has been waiting for this moment.
“OK, that’s done,” the nurse told Strange after she gave her the shot.
“Not bad at all,” Strange replied.
After months of waiting, it was as easy as that.
"It's just a prick. It really didn't hurt and it's very easy,” Strange said.
She received her first of two doses of the vaccine. Like many others, surviving the pandemic has been difficult and lonely for her.
"I've stayed at home so that I would be away from it, and I've been very fortunate and I'm just thrilled to get the vaccine! To get started on the finish line,” she said.
The finish line is closer for Stange but still some ways off for the state as a whole. As of Thursday evening, just under 5% of the state’s population has been vaccinated. Oklahoma is ahead of most other states, however, according to the CDC.
Another 50,000 doses will be delivered next week. Oklahoma health leaders say they hope the supply will quickly accelerate. Every time appointments are posted, they’re gone in minutes.
Strange is looking forward to the day she can have her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over again.
"Because I have toys for them but you know since all this -- they haven't been able to come in. We talk through the storm windows in the front of the house. I put my hand up and they put their hand up. And the baby, she's just in a little cradle. So it'll be wonderful,” she said.
There are still many people who are waiting to get appointments. The state Health Department said they’re making as many available as possible. One thing they suggest is looking in other counties. Residents may get appointments anywhere in the state, regardless of the county where they live.