TULSA, Okla. — As some schools prepare to reopen this fall across Green Country, the Tulsa Health Department is encouraging parents to keep their kids up-to-date with vaccinations.
Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials are concerned about a possible outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases, like measles, according to THD officials.
The department said it's seeing a decline this year for immunizations compared to last year.
We have seen only 21% of the clients seen in April-June 2019 and have administered 24% of the vaccines that were given in the same timeframe. Parental concerns about potentially exposing their children to COVID-19 during well child visits might contribute to the declines observed. Our fear is that with the identified declines in routine pediatric vaccine ordering and doses administered might indicate that U.S. children and their communities face increased risks for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
If parents and legal guardians would like to access their child's health documents, they canrequest immunization records electronically and they can request vital records electronically.
“We strongly encourage not to delay routine vaccines for your children and family during the pandemic,” added Niemitalo. “Healthcare providers can follow local and CDC guidance to keep you safe if you need in-person care.”
Children through age 18 years can receive free vaccinations through the Vaccine for Children program if any of the following apply:
- they are uninsured
- Native American Indian
- Native Alaskan
- or their insurance policy does not cover vaccines
For more information, call 918-582-9355 or visit the Tulsa Health Department's website.
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