TULSA, OK – [February 18, 2015] – Influenza activity remains widespread across most of the country, including Oklahoma, and is expected to continue for several more weeks. As long as flu is circulating and causing illness, getting a flu vaccine is beneficial. The Tulsa Health Department is now offering the 2014-2015 flu vaccine at no cost to uninsured adults at all locations, while supplies last.
The best protection against the flu is to receive the vaccine. According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine this season reduces a person’s risk of having to go to the doctor because of the flu by 23 percent among people of all ages Despite the low effectiveness of the 2014-15 flu vaccine, public health officials continue to recommend that all people aged 6 months and older receive the vaccine, as it may still prevent infections from some circulating influenza viruses and reduce severe flu-related complications.
The flu vaccines will be offered to anyone six months and older on a walk-in basis Mondays through Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 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 the following locations:
Bixby Community Health Center | 8120 E. 126 St., Bixby, OK
Call (918) 369-3155 for clinic dates and times
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
In addition to getting your flu shot, the Tulsa Health Department reminds you to follow these prevention tips:
Frequent hand washing using soap and water, or alcohol-based products such as hand gels when hands are not visibly soiled.
Make “respiratory hygiene” a habit, including use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and washing hands at once. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands.
Stay home from work, school, and other public places if you are ill.
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is important for those experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with a provider as soon as possible. A provider may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the flu. These drugs work better for treatment when started within 48 hours of noticing symptoms. Antiviral drugs may be used as a prevention measure to prevent especially vulnerable persons such as infants less than 6 months old, or persons of any age with a medical condition which severely suppresses their immune system.
Please visit www.tulsa-health.org or call the Flu Information Hotline at 918-595-4500 for more information about the flu, including flu vaccination clinic locations and hours of operation, and accepted insurance and other methods of payment. Visit www.health.ok.gov for Oklahoma flu updates posted every Thursday.
