THD to Offer Seasonal Flu and Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

TULSA, OKLA – [September 28, 2023] – The Tulsa Health Department will begin offering flu shots and the updated COVID-19 vaccine on October 2. Both vaccines are recommended for everyone six months of age and older.

The Tulsa Health Department will offer these vaccines at five locations throughout Tulsa County. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online or by phone at 918-582-9355. THD locations offering vaccines include:

• 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 
• Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 
• Collinsville Health Center | 1201 W. Center, Collinsville, OK

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

“Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is especially important for people who are at high risk for serious illness from these diseases,” said Interim Associate Director of Preventive Health Ellen Niemitalo. “This includes people who are 65 years of age and older, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Vaccines are safe and effective, and they have been proven to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. COVID-19 vaccines also reduce the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended time.”

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 booster 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’s participation in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, a unique public-private partnership. 
• 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, please visit www.tulsa-health.org or call 918-582-9355.