NEWS & UPDATES
Healthcare Groups Launch Statewide Effort
to Fight Measles Spread
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 20, 2025 – The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health and the Oklahoma State Medical Association are teaming up to support schools in their efforts to encourage immunizations in the wake of the national measles outbreak.
The groups announced today that they have developed a toolkit for school use, which includes a flyer and social media posts for parent outreach.
Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families joins public health experts in encouraging MMR vaccination for measles prevention
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 12, 2025 –With a measles outbreak impacting more than a dozen states, the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is encouraging families to travel with caution over the spring break holiday.
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As of March 12, the State Department of Health has confirmed two measles cases in Oklahoma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently tracking the nationwide outbreak, with more than 200 cases in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.
Oklahoma Public health advocates earn 2021 Champion for Healthy Families Award
OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 18, 2021 — Dr. Calin Watt Kirk, Dr. Dwight Sublett and children’s health advocates Ali Dodd and Rebekah Rhoades have been named the recipients of the 2021 Champion for Healthy Families Award by a coalition of healthcare professionals and community members.
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is officially recognizing local advocates who work to promote vaccination in our state.
United for Good: Public Service Campaign Encouraged Vaccine to End Pandemic
OKLAHOMA CITY, March 10, 2021 -- The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families (OAHF) announced “United for Good – Vax For Good,” a public service campaign launched to encourage Oklahomans to help end the pandemic by receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
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The campaign is being funded thanks to an unprecedented partnership between OAHF, the Chickasaw Nation, the OKC-County Health Department, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, and all four Oklahoma City hospitals, including Integris, Mercy, OU Health and SSM Health St. Anthony.
Proposed Health Department Rule Would Allow Further Spread of Vaccine Misinformation, Put Kids at Risk
Oklahoma City, Jan. 7, 2021 -- A group of medical professionals and advocates is sounding the alarm about proposed changes to vaccine rules at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
The change to administrative rule Title 310, Chapter 535 would remove an educational requirement for parents who want to refuse vaccines for their children, even if the children are enrolled in Oklahoma schools or childcare centers. The education requirement was put in place in 2020, but implementation was delayed due to the pandemic.
Health Care, Child Advocacy Groups Laud Stitt Support for New Vaccine Rules
Oklahoma City, June 26, 2020 - Governor Stitt signed new agency rules yesterday evening, including an upgrade to Oklahoma’s vaccine rules. Health Department Rule 535 will require parents to receive information about vaccines prior to getting a non-medical vaccine exemption for a minor child.
The rules were passed in an effort to combat misinformation about vaccines frequently shared on social media.
2020 Champion for Healthy Families Award
Oklahoma City, June 18, 2020 — Senator Greg McCortney, Representative Cynthia Roe and Representative Garry Mize have been chosen to receive the 2020 Champion for Healthy Families Award by a coalition of healthcare professionals and community members.
“Sen. McCortney, Rep. Roe and Rep. Mize have all been fierce advocates for families in Oklahoma,” said Jacqueline McDaniel executive director of the Oklahoma Alliance for Health Families. “They have a sincere heart for protecting the most vulnerable among us, and we are pleased to present them with this award in recognition of their longstanding service.”
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New Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Vaccines
Oklahoma City, Okla., Nov. 26, 2019 - Public polling results released today by the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families show 96% of Oklahomans believe vaccines are effective at preventing disease. The statewide telephone poll, conducted of 1,039 Oklahomans from Oct. 15-21 by conservative pollster Chris Wilson, has a margin of error of +/-3.
The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is a statewide coalition of public health experts and parents with the goal of improving the health of our schools, communities and families through education and engagement.
2022
August 9, 2022
Immunize your children this back-to-school season to protect them Prevent illness in their grandparents and teachers
August 10, 2022
Before going back to school, get back on track with routine childhood immunizations
February 10, 2022
Protect your preteen against HPV, related cancers
August 21, 2022
Letter: We can stop a resurgence of polio
2021
December 26, 2021
Oklahoma attorney general’s vaccine claims ‘unconscionable’
September 2, 2021
Alliance for Healthy Families responds to mask ruling
July 16, 2021
Health care leaders push back against proposed ban on vaccine requirements in hospitals
February 24, 2021
Point of View: Personal choices, public health — Eliminating mask mandates, vaccination standards is wrong for Oklahoma
January 13, 2021
Opinion: Oklahoma vaccine rule should stay in place
January 7, 2021
Medical groups criticize proposed Oklahoma Vaccine rule
November 18, 2021
Truth at Tower Theatre
August 29, 2021
Viewpoint: Any excuse against COVID vaccine is rooted in antithesis of love — indifference
June 8, 2021
Five health risks to ask about at your next men’s health physical
February 10, 2021
Immunization exemption causes stir in Oklahoma schools
January 12, 2021
Why you should get the COVID-19 vaccination
September 30, 2021
Faith leaders gather to discuss vaccines and religion
July 18, 2021
Oklahoma is in the bottom 10 states for COVID-19 vaccines. Could politics be to blame?
May 28, 2021
'Everyone needs to be vaccinated,' even teens, an Oklahoma doctor says
February 5, 2021
Letter to the editor: Nurse opposes bill to change school vaccination guidelines
January 8, 2021
Physicians group seeks support for vaccine education requirements before inoculation exemption
2020
December 31, 2020
Guest Editorial: Show you care; get the COVID vaccine when you can
December 4, 2020
GUEST COLUMN: Scientific standards will back vaccine
July 24, 2020
Virtual or in-person classes this fall? Five factors to consider
March 19, 2020
LETTER: Informed refusal of vaccines should be reality
December 12, 2020
Long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine called turning point in state's fight against deadly virus
December 2, 2020
Dr. Lamont Cavanagh: Have a holly, jolly (handwashing) holiday
June 24, 2020
Mize Earns Champion for Healthy Families Award
March 1, 2020
Point of View: Oklahomans should choose vaccination
December 7, 2020
Jenkins: Vaccine is result of innovation, collaboration
July 29, 2020
The decision to return to schools
2019
2018
December 09, 2018
Letter to the Editor: Legislature needs to review health risks in ease of having unvaccinated children
August 02, 2018
COLUMN: How to protect your child
December 05, 2018
Physician Talks on Fighting the Flu
August 02, 2018
Letter to the Editor
December 01, 2018
Letter to the Editor
April 25, 2018
Point of View: Immunizations produce a healthier Oklahoma
