The Oklahoma State Department of Health announced its plan to transition into phase two of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution by offering the vaccine to first responders and health care workers outside the inpatient setting. The department plans to utilize designated distribution points across the state.

To provide increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Oklahomans, the state health department is initiating vaccination “PODS” or “points of dispensing sites” across the state where people who are set to begin receiving the vaccine can do so safely in the coming weeks, officials said.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to expand our vaccine distribution efforts in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Lance Frye, Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health. “PODS will help us provide more efficient access points as we open up the vaccine to larger populations as we continue to gradually move into phase 2 priority groups and beyond.”

Initial groups that will receive the vaccine in PODS include first responders and health care workers outside of hospital settings, some of whom have already begun receiving their vaccines.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department announced over the weekend that they received their initial 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine on Christmas Day and have begun administering them to members of the department.

Oklahomans who are 65 and older will also be able to receive the vaccine at PODS locations in the coming weeks, according to health officials. More information about vaccine availability to the 65 and older population will become available as the state receives further information regarding the ongoing vaccine supply.

PODS locations are flexible and may be raised in communal locations such as schools, community centers and fairgrounds all across the state, according to health officials. Staffing and logistics will be coordinated with local partners, an effort that reflects a community approach to assisting neighbors in need.

Health officials urge people to watch for local public messaging, including via news and social media, to find out when they’re eligible to receive the vaccine. Additionally, an online scheduling tool is expected to go live in the upcoming weeks to help Oklahomans in each priority group find their ability to get the vaccine, as well as the nearest PODS locations and to schedule an appointment when it’s their turn, officials said.

“Our vaccine plan remains fluid and has helped us efficiently distribute the vaccine across Oklahoma,” said Keith Reed, deputy commissioner for the state Department of Health. “Raising these PODS across the state will keep our vaccine supply moving into the arms of Oklahomans that need it most. It will allow us to progress through our priority groups as planned and vaccinate as many Oklahomans as we can.”

The first few shipments of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in the state and are currently being administered to front-line health care workers and residents and staff at nursing homes and long-term care facilities, first responders and other health care workers.