Oct. 9--Just five years ago, the Tulsa City-County Health Department got only 5,000 doses of influenza vaccine yet still had unused vials to throw out at the end of flu season.
This year, as flu season approaches, the agency expects to provide free flu vaccinations to more than 30,000 Tulsa County residents, spokeswoman Melanie Christian said.
"Certainly, we've seen public demand increase," she said.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has continued to expand its flu shot recommendations to include additional populations each year, including annual vaccination for all children ages 5 to 18 this year, Christian said.
"The flu is unpredictable each year," she said, adding that the local health agency has decided this year to focus on the area's high-risk elderly population for its annual drive-through flu clinic Nov. 7.
Free flu shots at Tulsa's three walk-in clinics and surrounding area appointment clinics will begin Nov. 3 for people ages 6 months or older, Christian said.
"We're the only free game in town," she said.
The Oklahoma State Department of
Health obtains the state's public health supply of vaccine and distributes it to health departments throughout the state.
"I think people have really educated themselves about the flu," Christian said. "And because there's enough flu vaccine, we really try hard to meet that demand."
The CDC has said the vaccine is plentiful this year and could better target the viral strains that are expected to dominate the season. Last year, the predominant strain wasn't included in the vaccine, which resulted in a bad flu season nationwide.
But even if it doesn't match exactly, the CDC says being vaccinated will at least lessen the severity and length of the illness.
"The more people who get vaccin ated, the better it is for our community," Christian said.
Kim Archer 581-8315
kim.archer@tulsaworld.com
Flu prevention tips
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
-- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use an alcohol- based hand cleaner when you can't wash your hands.
-- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
-- If you get the flu, stay home to avoid spreading it.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs can enter your system this way.
Source: Tulsa City-County Health Department
Tulsa City-County Health Department drive-through clinic
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7
Where: James O. Goodwin Health Center, 5051 S. 129th East Ave.
Info: For ages 60 and older or people with a handicapped sticker on their car. Buses and vans are welcome. Leave pets at home, bring Medicare or Medicaid card if applicable, and wear short sleeves.
Walk-in clinics
When: Starting Monday, Nov. 3
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 to 11 a.m. Fridays
Where: Central Regional Health Center, 315 S. Utica Ave.; Expo Square Health Center, 4616 E. 15th St.; James O. Goodwin Health Center, 5051 S. 129th East Ave.
Appointment clinics
(call ahead)
Collinsville Health Center: 1201 W. Center, 596-8650
Sand Springs Health Center: 306 E. Broadway, 591-6100
Bixby Health Center: 8120 E. 126th St., 369-3155
Shots for a fee
The Visiting Nurse Association of Tulsa, 7875 E. 51st St., ofers flu shots for a fee. For more information, call 743-9810.
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