TULSA, OK – [July 12, 2018] – The Tulsa Health Department reminds parents of children entering kindergarten or the 7th grade that now is the time to visit immunization clinics to avoid the back-to-school rush that starts every year in August. There are no new immunization requirements for the 2018-2019 school year.
“Our clinics get very busy as the first day of school approaches, which is why we encourage families to immunize their children now while there is little to no wait time,” said Priscilla Haynes, Tulsa Health Department division chief of preventive health services. “Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of your child against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
THD offers several convenient features to help clients during this busy time:
1. Online immunizations records requests
Parents and legal guardians can request immunization records electronically at www.tulsa-health.org/shotrecords. Requests will be processed within 5 business days.
2. Extended hours at two locations
From August 6-23, the immunization clinic at the James O. Goodwin Health Center, 5051 S. 129 E. Ave. will stay open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the Central Regional Health Center, 315 S. Utica, will stay open until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. On Fridays these locations will be open regular hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Pop-Up Immunization Record Request Clinic
Tulsa Health Department will provide immunization records to parents and legal guardians at Woodland Hills Mall, 7021 S Memorial, on August 4 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. during Tax Free weekend. The Oklahoma Caring Van will be on site to provide vaccines to children who qualify for the Vaccine for Children program.
THD provides immunizations according to the Oklahoma school requirements, CDC recommendations and the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule.
The demand for vaccines turns into a rush before school starts in August because of the booster shots which are due after a child turns 4, and required before children enter kindergarten. Most children entering kindergarten are required to receive a second dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine), a fourth dose of polio vaccine, and a fifth does of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines). A second dose of varicella is recommended at four years of age.
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.
Students entering the 7th grade must receive a Tdap booster. Teens in the 8th through 12th grades must also have one dose of Tdap if they have not received it already. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Meningitis and HPV vaccines are also recommended for adolescents at 11 years of age. First-time college enrollees who will reside on campus are required to receive the meningitis vaccine.
Infants, children and adolescents under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or guardian and bring a copy of their current immunizations record to receive immunizations.
THD accepts the following health insurance: Medicaid, SoonerCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Health Choice, Cigna, and Medicare. It is recommended to check with the insurance company to verify coverage for requested vaccines. Clients with private insurance not listed may pay for vaccines.
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 uninsured, Native American Indian, Native Alaskan, or their insurance policy does not cover vaccines.
Childhood immunization clinics are available at the following times and locations:
James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129th E. Ave.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday Clinic will stay open until 6:00 p.m. from August 6-23rd
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
Central Regional Health Center |315 S. Utica
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday Clinic will stay open on Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. from August 9-23rd
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
Collinsville Health Center | 1201 W. Center (918-596-8650)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays
Mondays and Tuesdays available by appointment. Please call for availability.
Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway (918-591-6100)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mondays
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays
For more information about immunization clinics and state immunization requirements please visit www.tulsa-health.org or call 918-582-WELL (9355).
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Note: View a complete guide to immunization requirements in Oklahoma for the 2018-2019 school year and the Oklahoma Caring Van schedule.
Tulsa Health Department
Since its establishment in 1950, the Tulsa Health Department serves as the primary public health agency to more than 600,000 Tulsa County residents, including 13 municipalities and four unincorporated areas. The agency is one of two autonomous local health departments in Oklahoma, with statutory public health jurisdiction throughout Tulsa County and the City of Tulsa. THD’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all Tulsa County residents, in order to make Tulsa County the healthiest county in the country. THD was among the first health departments in the U.S. to receive national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. For more information, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
Oklahoma Caring Van
The Oklahoma Caring Van Program delivers immunizations to protect children and adolescents from dangerous illnesses at no cost to their families. The Oklahoma Caring Van Program is uniquely designed to eliminate barriers that commonly prevent children from receiving on-time, age-appropriate immunizations in traditional health care settings. Since the program began in October 1999, thousands of children have received immunizations from registered immunization nurses aboard the Caring Vans. Immunization information is entered in the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System (OSIIS) so children’s vaccine history is readily available. The Caring Vans travel to licensed child care centers, schools and community locations statewide.
