Flu Vaccine Clinics Start Monday In Tulsa County

NewsOn6.com

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this story announced that a shorter needle will be used on flu vaccines this year. We have learned that those needles will be used in Oklahoma City but not in clinics given by the Tulsa Health Department. NewsOn6.com regrets the error.

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Monday is the first day for the Tulsa Health Department's flu shot clinics.

This season's flu shot includes the H1N1 vaccination as well as other strains of flu expected to circulate this flu season.

"Flu vaccinations are the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu. Being sick with influenza can result in missed work, missed school, doctor visits and even hospitalization," said Tulsa Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Dart.

"In today's economy, it makes even more sense to protect yourself and your family, friends and co-workers by getting the protection the flu shot provides."

Who needs flu shots?

The shot is now recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. This season's flu vaccination requires only one shot for most people. Children under 9 who have not received a flu vaccination before will need a second dose at least 28 days after receiving the first one.

Persons at high risk of serious complications from flu are especially advised to get the flu vaccine. Those include:

• Pregnant women
• Asthma sufferers
• Diabetics and people with other chronic conditions
• Caregivers who live with or work with high risk groups 

Where and how much?

Shots are free for persons on Medicare, SoonerCare (Medicaid) and Community Care insurance. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program will also get the shots free.

Those with private insurance and resources to pay will be charged $25.

The flu vaccines will be offered beginning September 26, 2011, to anyone over the age of 6 months on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays thru Thursdays and Fridays 8 to 11 a.m. at the following Tulsa Health Department locations:

• James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue
• Central Regional Health Center located at 315 S. Utica
• Expo Square Health Center located at 4616 E. 15th Street

The flu vaccine will also be offered at the following Tulsa County locations:

North Regional Health Center
5424 N. Madison Avenue, Tulsa
Call 918-591-6006 for clinic dates and times

Bixby Community Health Center
8120 E. 126th Street, Bixby
Call 918-369-3155 for clinic dates and times

Sand Springs Health Center
306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs
Call 918-591-6100 for clinic dates and times

For more information, go the Tulsa Health Department web site.