Just when you think we're finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel we get more bad news about Oklahoma's COVID-19 numbers. Unfortunately Oklahoma is leading the Nation and not in a good way when it comes to the number of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and even deaths. Right now the Sooner State ranks #11 in the country for the number of new COVID-19 cases and the vaccination rate is much lower than the rest of the country. Health experts in the state are urging all Oklahomans to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Most of the positive cases of Coronavirus in the state are people who are un-vaccinated.

Oklahoma is around 39% when it comes to the vaccinated population, the National average is around 49%.  With the new Delta Variant being the most prevalent strain of the COVID-19 virus in the state health experts are very concerned, especially for those who haven't been vaccinated yet. The 12-34 age group are the lowest percentage of vaccinated Oklahomans and are at higher risk of both COVID-19 and the Delta Variant.

The Delta Variant of COVID-19 is stronger and more easily spread. From what's been reported the Delta Variant is anywhere from 50% to 60% more contagious and transmissible than the original virus. Even worse, this variant has a far higher hospitalization rate and the people it infects have far worse symptoms. The good news is the COVID-19 vaccinations appear to be effective against the variant and those who are vaccinated are more likely to not catch it, or have much milder symptoms if they do.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and the Delta Variant is to get vaccinated. If you haven't been fully vaccinated yet you can contact the Comanche County Health Department to schedule an appointment or locate the next mobile clinic or walk in dates. You can also visit their official Facebook page for regular updates and vaccination details. Getting a vaccination is totally up to you and it's your decision. I've been vaccinated, but I know a lot of people who are skeptical and aren't too sure if they'll be doing it themselves. I understand, and it's your choice. I was free to make mine, and you're free to make yours.

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

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