Tulsa Health Department To Start Offering Flu Vaccinations On Monday

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- The Tulsa Health Department will begin offering seasonal flu vaccinations for the 2010-11 flu season starting on Monday, October 4, 2010.

This season's flu vaccination requires only one shot for most individuals. Children under 9 who have not received a flu vaccination before will need a second dose 28 days or later after receiving the first dose.

In a news release from the health department, this season's flu shot includes the H1N1 vaccination as well as other strains of flu expected to circulate this flu season.

Due to state budget constraints and the increased cost of influenza vaccine, the Tulsa Health Department will be charging a $25 fee for regular seasonal flu vaccinations.

The news release goes on to say, no fee will be assessed for persons who are on Medicare and do not belong to an HMO, who are on SoonerCare (Medicaid), who are enrolled in HealthChoice insurance, and for those children who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program.

"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. In today's economy, it makes even more sense to protect yourself, and your family, friends and coworkers by getting the protection the flu shot provides." stated Tulsa Health Department Interim Director Reggie Ivey.

The flu vaccine will be offered to anyone over the age of six months on a walk-in basis Mondays thru Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the following Tulsa Health Department locations:

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

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

• North Regional Health Center at 5424 N. Madison Avenue
• Bixby Community Health Center @ 8120 E. 126th Street
• Collinsville Community Health Center @ 1201 W. Center
• Sand Springs Health Center @ 306 E. Broadway

For more information visit www.tulsa-health.org.