Green Country Gears Up For Flu Season

Green Country is getting ready for flu season. Hundreds of people lined up Saturday morning to get their flu shots courtesy of the Tulsa Health Department.<br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Chris Wright has

Saturday, November 18th 2006, 2:29 pm

By: News On 6

Green Country is getting ready for flu season. Hundreds of people lined up Saturday morning to get their flu shots courtesy of the Tulsa Health Department.

News on 6 reporter Chris Wright has more on the free vaccinations.

Saturday marked the beginning of the health departmentâ€™s drive to vaccinate Green Country. Officials say with flu season approaching, now is the time to protect yourself.

While it wasn't easy, young Phoebe Schula of Bixby survived her flu shot. "Did that hurt? Was that as bad as it looked? No"

Hundreds of other Bixby residents also lined up for their shots Saturday morning. While standing outside with temperatures in the 30s may not have been fun, health officials feel it beats coming down with the flu.

"I think people are concerned about their health, and nobody wants to miss the holidays because they feel bad or because they're ill," said Janice Sheehan with the Tulsa Health Department.

The Tulsa Health Department will be administering shots at several locations throughout Green Country starting Monday, officials say they are ready to give a shot to anyone who needs one.

People began lining up early Saturday morning in Bixby, but they have an efficient system and can serve 400 people an hour.

After making it through the line, people filled out the appropriate form, handed it in and received their shot. The entire process took a matter of minutes, and officials say this year there is plenty of vaccine available.

"We have lots of flu vaccine this year, and we're encouraging everyone to come out and get the flu vaccinations," Sheehan said.
Those who did come out included people who get the shot every year.

"I suffer a lot less, and as my wife says I don't suffer well when I get the flu," said Tulsa resident Bill Brown.

As well as first timers like little Phoebe. "I think it was the anticipation of the shot that really scared her. But once she got it, she says oh it's just like a bump."

The Tulsa Health Department says it takes two weeks for the vaccine to kick in.

For more information on where and when the Tulsa flu shots will be administered can visit the department's website, www.tulsa-health.org.