NewsOn6.com's Guide To Flu Prevention

By Nicole Wiseman and Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized every year because of the flu. For some people, it's deadly. The flu is the eighth leading cause of death in Tulsa County.

Each year in the United States, about 36,000 people will die because of the flu. But, health officials say there may be even more deaths that go unreported.

"Those of us in public health do feel that is an underestimate simply because it (the flu) is not a reportable disease that doctors have to test for. And it only gets counted as a number if it is actually been laboratory confirmed," said Melanie Christian with the Tulsa Health Department.

Young children, older adults, pregnant women and anyone with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes, are at a high risk for serious flu complications.

The Tulsa County Health Department is stocking up on vaccines. Since flu cases don't generally start popping up until late November, the health department won't start giving out free vaccinations for a few more weeks. The highest flu rates are in late January and early February.

In addition to walk-in clinics at the health department, anyone who is 60 & over or those with a handicapped sticker in their car can receive a free flu immunization in a drive-thru setting on Friday, November 7th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the James O. Goodwin Health Center located at 5051 S. 129th E. Avenue.

The Tulsa County Health Department does not expect any vaccine shortages. They will be getting more than 30,000.

"You could experience a little bit of tenderness at the injection site. Beyond that, you should be on your way and feeling fine," said Christian.

Getting a flu shot is only the first step in staying healthy. Melanie Christian with the Tulsa Health Department says your best defense against getting sick is washing your hands often.

If you're already sick, you can keep from spreading the germs by coughing into your elbow.

Christian says a lot of people get sick simply because they forget to get the vaccine. By remembering and taking a quick minute to have it done, she says you can save yourself a big headache.

"We often joke that the first person to get in line to get a flu shot is someone who has had the flu before. Because it is a miserable experience," said Christian.

We have a lot more information about Flu Prevention. Including when and where you can get a flu shot. We're updating constantly, so be sure to check back often for the latest.

• Utica Park Clinic is now offering flu vaccinations to UPC patients. 
• A drive-thru flu clinic for enrolled veterans will be held on November 1 at the VA Medical Center in Muskogee from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The VA Medical Center in Muskogee is located at 1101 Honor Heights Drive. For more information on receiving your health care at the VA, call 918.577.3000.
• A drive-thru flu clinic for enrolled veterans will be held on November at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The VA Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa is located at 9322 East 41st Street. For more information on receiving your health care at the VA, call 918.577.3000. 

The Oklahoma Caring Van will provide flu vaccines to children from six months to age 18 in November. Locations are in Tulsa unless otherwise indicated. The following public clinics are set for northeastern Oklahoma:

Nov. 3 Tahlequah Public Schools 10 a.m.
225 N. Water St. (Tahlequah)

Nov. 4 Tahlequah Public Schools 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
225 N. Water St. (Tahlequah)

Nov. 5 Tahlequah Public Schools 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
225 N. Water St. (Tahlequah)

Nov. 6 Tahlequah Public Schools 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
225 N. Water St. (Tahlequah)

Nov. 8 Bethany Church 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
4615 S. Darlington

Nov. 10 Jenks West Elementary 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2550 W. K. Pl. (Jenks)

Nov. 10 Elliott Elementary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1442 E. 36th St.

Nov. 12 Sperry Public Schools 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
4th and Main (Sperry)

Nov.12 Jenks East Elementary 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
8925 S. Harvard Ave.

Nov. 13 Jenks East Intermediate 9 a.m. - noon
3933 E. 91st. (Jenks)

Nov. 13 Jenks West Intermediate 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
909 N. Adams (Jenks)

Nov.14 Ketchum Public Schools 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
205 E. Ketchum Ave. (Ketchum)

Nov. 14 Jenks Middle School 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
3019 E. 101st St.

Nov. 14 Jenks Southeast Elementary 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
10222 S. Yale Ave.

Nov. 15 Greater Grace Church 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1010 E. 56th St. N.

Nov. 17 Sperry Public Schools 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
4th and Main (Sperry)

Nov. 17 Jenks Central Campus 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
205 E. B. St. (Jenks)

Nov. 18 Ok Union Elementary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hwy 169 & Hwy 10 (South Coffeyville)

Nov. 19 Ok Union High School 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hwy 169 & Hwy 10 (South Coffeyville)

Nov. 19 Lakewood Apartments 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
3625 S. Lakewood Ave.

Nov. 20 Wright City Public Schools 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
W. 8th and School St. (Wright City)

Nov. 21 Lanier Elementary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1727 S. Harvard Ave.

Nov. 24 Celia Clinton Elementary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1740 N. Harvard

Flu vaccines are given on a first come, first serve basis. For each child immunized, a parent or guardian must be present to complete paperwork.