TULSA, OK – [September 25, 2017] – The Tulsa Health Department will begin offering seasonal flu vaccinations on October 2nd.
Health officials remind residents that getting vaccinated against the flu every year is the single best way to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the illness less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the virus to family and other people.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Flu shots are approved for use in pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions. There are flu shots that also are approved for use in people as young as 6 months of age and up. Persons at high risk of serious complications from flu are especially advised to get the flu vaccine, including children younger than 5, older people, pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. Parents and family members of babies less than 6 months of age and people who live with or care for anyone at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care workers, should also get the vaccine.
The flu vaccines will be offered while supplies last to anyone over the age of six months on a walk-in basis Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the following Tulsa Health Department locations:
James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
Central Regional Health Center | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
The flu vaccine will also be offered at these locations:
Collinsville Community Health Center | 1201 W. Center, Collinsville, OK
Call (918) 596-8650 for clinic dates and times
Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK
Call (918) 591-6100 for clinic dates and times
THD currently accepts Cigna, Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Choice, Medicare, SoonerCare and Medicaid for immunizations. Please bring your insurance card and photo ID.
The cost for the flu shot is $25. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. The vaccine is available at no cost for those who qualify, including children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, while supplies last.
The 2017-2018 seasonal flu vaccination requires only one shot for most individuals. Children under age nine who have not received two flu immunizations before July 1, 2017 will need a second dose at least four weeks after receiving the first dose.
There are two types of flu vaccines available this year: the trivalent and the quadrivalent. A high dose vaccine designed for seniors age 65 and older is also available upon request while supplies last. THD will not be offering the flu mist as it is not recommended by the CDC this year.
The most important thing is to get a flu vaccine every year. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the best options for you and your loved ones.
“Flu vaccinations are the single most effective way to protect yourself from the flu,” said Dr. Bruce Dart, Tulsa Health Department director. “Being sick with influenza can result in missed work, missed school, doctor visits and even hospitalization.”
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and runny or stuffy nose. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications from flu. If you have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, flu can make it worse. Each year thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized.
For more information please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
