TULSA, Okla. – [June 11, 2014] – 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 2014-2015 school year.
“Our clinics will be very busy as the first day of school approaches, which is why we recommend families have their child immunized now while there is little to no wait time,” said Priscilla Haynes, Tulsa Health Department division chief of community health. “Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of your child against vaccine preventable diseases.”
The demand for vaccines turns into a rush before school starts in August because of the booster shots that are due before children enter kindergarten. Most children entering kindergarten receive a second dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) and varicella, a fourth dose of polio vaccine, and a fifth does of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines).
Children transferring into Oklahoma schools from other states may need the hepatitis A vaccine. This vaccine is not required for all states; however, hepatitis A vaccine is required for all Oklahoma students in grades kindergarten through twelfth.
Students entering the 7th grade must receive a Tdap booster. Teens in the 8th and 9th grades must also have one dose of Tdap if they have not received it already. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
THD provides childhood immunizations at no cost to children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program according to the CDC’s recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. The following insurances are accepted: Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Choice, Medicaid, SoonerCare and Medicare. Infants, children and adolescents must be accompanied by their parent or guardian and bring a copy of their current immunizations record to receive immunizations. Individuals with insurance accepted by THD should bring a copy of their insurance card to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
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
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
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
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday (by appointment only)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays (Walk-ins welcome)
Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway
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
Bixby Health Center | 8120 E. 126th St.
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine are available for uninsured adults age 19 and over at no cost, while supplies last. HPV protects against most of the cancers caused by HPV infection. First-time college enrollees who will reside on campus are required to receive the MCV4 vaccine.
For more information about immunization clinics and state immunization requirements please visit call 918-582-WELL (9355).
View a complete guide to immunization requirements in Oklahoma for the 2014-2015 school year and more information about Tdap requirements.
