TULSA, OK –[July 9, 2024] – The Tulsa Health Department encourages families to visit immunization clinics early to avoid the back-to-school rush. Each summer, as the first day of school draws near, THD clinics experience a high volume of clients seeking immunization services, especially for families with children entering kindergarten or 7th grade.
To help clients during this busy time, THD has a convenient online portal to schedule a child’s immunization appointment. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling (918) 582-WELL. Additionally, two THD locations are offering walk-in clinics on select days to make it easier than ever for busy families to receive immunizations:
- Central Regional Health Center |315 S. Utica
- Walk-ins available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (other weekdays by appointment).
- Walk-in clinic hours extended to 6:00 p.m. on August 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd.
- North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- Walk-ins available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (other weekdays by appointment)
- Collinsville Health Center | 1201 W. Center, Collinsville, OK
- Appointments required
- Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway
- Appointments required
“This year, THD conducted community listening sessions throughout Tulsa County. Families shared that it would be helpful if we offered walk-in services for immunizations. I’m proud to announce we are incorporating that feedback,” said THD Associate Director of Preventive Health Services JP Williams. “Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect your child against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Vaccines remain a safe and effective measure families can take to reduce the incidence and severity of several diseases. THD provides immunizations according to the Oklahoma school requirements, CDC recommendations and the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. In Oklahoma, all children must present an immunization record or file an exemption before they can attend school. There are no new immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year.
Children have routine vaccinations due after they reach age four, which are required for students entering kindergarten. Those include Dtap, polio, MMR and varicella vaccinations. A Tdap vaccine is required for all students entering the 7th grade. Other vaccines, including meningitis and HPV, are also recommended for adolescents at age 11. A meningitis B vaccine is recommended for adolescents at age 16. THD encourages anyone who is moving into a college residence this fall to consider taking charge of their health and get all their vaccinations, including meningitis vaccines.
Children transferring into Oklahoma schools from other states may need the hepatitis A vaccine. This vaccine is not required for all states; however, two doses of hepatitis A vaccine are required for all Oklahoma students in grades kindergarten through twelve, unless an exemption is on file.
Parents are advised to bring their child’s most recent vaccination record. With parent or guardian permission, THD staff can enter the record into the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System and contact the family if any vaccines are still recommended.
All children age 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian with them at the time of vaccination. The legal guardian must bring paperwork showing their guardianship status.
Children through age 18 years are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge through the Vaccine for Children program if any of the following apply: they are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, Native American Indian, Native Alaskan, or their insurance policy does not cover vaccines.
Back-to-school immunizations are offered at a low cost and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. THD also accepts the following health insurance: Medicaid, SoonerCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Health Choice, Cigna, and Medicare. It is recommended for the parent or guardian to check with their insurance company to verify coverage for requested vaccines.
Shot record requests can also be made online or in person at any of the locations listed above.
Birth certificates must be ordered in advance online or by phone at 877-817-7364. Online and phone orders will have a turnaround time of approximately two business days. Mail-in orders will also continue to be accepted with a turnaround time of about 10 weeks. Vital Records offer a Will Call service giving individuals the option to pick up orders placed online for birth and death records in-person. Will Call pick-up hours at the Vital Records location at 51st & 129th are 12:00 to 4:45 p.m. on weekdays (Monday-Friday). Read more about the process and other information about birth and death records.
THD has partnered with Be Well Community Development Corporation to host a back-to-school bash on August 9th from 3 to 8 p.m. at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center. Attendees will be able to immunizations and school supplies, and meet community partners to learn more about local services that benefit the community.
For more information about immunization clinics and state immunization requirements please visit tulsa-health.org/back2school or call 918-582-WELL (9355).
###
