TULSA, OK – [October 13, 2013] – The Tulsa Health Department will begin offering seasonal flu vaccinations on October 20th. The 2014-2015 seasonal flu vaccination requires only one shot for most individuals. Children under age nine who have not received two flu immunizations since July 1, 2010 will need a second dose 28 days (or later) after receiving the first dose.
There are two types of flu vaccines available this year: the trivalent and the quadrivalent. This season’s trivalent flu shot includes the pandemic 2009 H1N1, H3N2, and one other B vaccine virus strain of flu expected to circulate this flu season. The new quadrivalent vaccine includes an additional strain of influenza B virus protection. A high dose vaccine designed for seniors age 65 and older is also available upon request while supplies last.
It’s important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one flu vaccine over another. This includes deciding between trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine and between an injection (the flu shot) or nasal spray vaccine.
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.”
The supply of flu vaccines is dependent upon availability this year. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Persons at high risk of serious complications from flu are especially advised to get the flu vaccine, including 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.
A limited supply of vaccinations will be available for the following individuals and do not require any out of pocket expense at the time of vaccination:
Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program
Medicare Part B Non-HMO recipients
Individuals with Community Care, Health Choice, Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna insurance plans.
Medicaid/SoonerCare recipients (does not include SoonerPlan)
Children and adults with health insurance other than those listed will be charged a fee of $25.00 for the flu vaccine. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. Supplies may be limited due to availability.
The flu vaccines will be offered to anyone over the age of six months 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
Individuals are encouraged to call the Flu Information Hotline at 918-595-4500 for more information. The hotline has recorded information about the flu in English and Spanish, including flu vaccination clinic locations and hours of operation, and accepted insurance and other methods of payment. For more information please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
