Flu Vaccines and Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Available at THD Clinics Beginning October 1

TULSA, OK – [September 27, 2024] – The Tulsa Health Department will begin offering flu shots and the updated COVID-19 vaccine on October 1. Both vaccines are recommended for everyone six months of age and older.

The Tulsa Health Department will offer these vaccines at four locations throughout Tulsa County. Appointments can scheduled online or by phone at 918-582-9355. People can receive a vaccine without an appointment by taking advantage of walk-in vaccine services available at the Central Regional Health Center, North Regional Health & Wellness Center, and the Sand Springs Health Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. THD locations offering vaccines include:

• 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)
• 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: Walk-ins available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (other weekdays by appointment)

Additionally, THD staff will offer the vaccines at various community events throughout Tulsa County through a longstanding partnership with the Oklahoma Caring Van.

Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season. In Tulsa County, people have more tools than ever before to help protect themselves, their families and communities from severe respiratory illnesses such as seasonal immunizations.

“These vaccines can keep you from getting the illness, make the illness less severe if you do get it and keep you from spreading the virus to family and other people,” said THD nurse and Associate Director of Preventive Health Services JP Williams. “Now is the best time to get vaccinated since we typically begin to see an increase in respiratory illnesses in the fall.”

According to the CDC, it is safe and effective to receive multiple immunizations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, during the same appointment. Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Most people can receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine or a seasonal flu shot with no out-of-pocket expense. The following payment options are available:

• Most private insurance providers cover the cost of the vaccines. THD accepts the following health insurance: Medicaid, SoonerCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Health Choice, Cigna, and Medicare. 
• Children through age 18 years are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) 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. 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.
• Uninsured adults or those whose health insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine cost are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost through the Tulsa Health Department while supplies last.
• Regular injectable flu vaccine will cost $25. High dose flu vaccine will cost $63. The cost for regular flu vaccine may be waived for uninsured adults who qualify.

For more information, call 918-582-9355.

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