Patients have been filing into the Visitors Nurses Association for the most coveted item in town; a flu shot.
“All those procrastinators who thought they would get it another day and that day has come,” said CEO of the Visitors Nurses Association, Shannon Robbins.
Robbins told FOX23 that the VNA purchased a shipment of 1500 adult influenza vaccinations and is extending their hours during the work week and weekend to meet the demand of patients.
The VNA tells FOX23 that they had 100 adult patients receive the flu shot on Thursday.
“The phone has been ringing off of the hook,” said Robbins, “We have been abnormally busy for this time of year.”
The only catch; the VNA has run out of pediatric vaccinations, like many other health spaces in town.
“At this time we only have vaccine for those 18 years and older,” said Robbins.
Kristy Schmitz told FOX23 she can’t find the flu “mist” for her daughter.
“Our pediatric doctor is out and her been out for a while,” said Schmitz.
The demand for vaccinations and Tamiflu is increasing along with the patient load in clinics.
Physicians Assistant for St. Johns Urgent Care Thomas Engle says that he had about 80 patients with flu-like symptoms within a twelve-hour period
“A lot of coughing and congestion,” said Engle, “This is very serious.”
The Oklahoma State Department of Health says 345 people have been hospitalized and eight persons have died in Oklahoma this flu season.
The Tulsa County Health Department says that are stocked with pediatric and adult influenza vaccinations at all of the regional locations.
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