Flu confirmed in Oklahoma

State health officials say it is not too late for persons at high risk for complications form influenza to get their flu shot. “High risk” individuals include persons 65 years of age or older; persons with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or breathing disorders; women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season; and health care workers and others who care for persons at risk from influenza.

The state health department has received184,170 doses of flu vaccine of the 250,000 doses orders with the balance expected later this week. These does have been shipped to local county health departments around the state. After high risk individuals are covered, health departments will make the vaccine available for persons aged 50 to 64 as well as others who are not included in the high risk group.

Health officials also recommend pnuemococcal vaccine for persons who are 65 years of age or older, or persons who have heart or lung problems or diabetes. This vaccine protects against pneumoccal pneumonia, the most common type of pneumonia resulting in hospitalizations. The vaccine is available at physicians’ offices and county health departments.