Tulsa Health Department to provide flu vaccines beginning Oct. 1

TULSA, Okla. — Health officials are urging Tulsa County residents to get vaccinated against the flu this year.

The Tulsa Health Department is providing flu shots for the season starting on Oct. 1, by appointment only, according to THD officials.

Officials said masks are required and clients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the illness less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the virus to family and other people, officials said. Health experts are recommending that all individuals over the age of six months be vaccinated.

Here are the following locations by the Tulsa Health Department:

• James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
• Central Regional Health Center | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
• North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
• Collinsville Community Health Center | 1201 W. Center, Collinsville, OK
• Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK

THD officials said most individuals will not incur an out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine. The following payment options are available:

• Children through age 18 years are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program if any of the following apply: they are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, Native American Indian, Native Alaskan, or their insurance policy does not cover vaccines.

• THD currently accepts Cigna, Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Choice, Medicare and SoonerCare Medicaid for immunizations. Coverage can vary among different insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card and photo ID with you. It is always advisable to check with your insurance provider for coverage specifics before receiving immunizations, as you may be responsible for charges that are not covered by your insurance policy.

• Regular injectable flu vaccine and flu mist will cost $25. High dose flu vaccine will cost $63. The cost for regular flu vaccine may be waived for uninsured adults who qualify.

Along with the flu shot, health experts are reminding you to follow these prevention tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Outside your home, put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.

• Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• Stay home from work, school, and other public places if you are ill. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Make “respiratory hygiene” a habit, including use of tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then disposing of them and washing hands at once. When tissues are not readily available, use your sleeve, never your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of respiratory illness and take your temperature if symptoms develop. Call your health care provider for advice if you are experiencing symptoms.

Call 918-582-9355 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.

For information about other flu programs, visit Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website.

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