Get shots early to beat Back to School rush

TULSA, Okla. — Quick Facts:

  • School starts for many Tulsa-area schools in August
  • The Tulsa County Health Department offers immunization clinics to prepare
  • Families are encouraged to immunize students early, as last-minute immunizations flood the clinics each year
THD offers some features to help clients during this busy time:
1. 

Online immunizations records requests

Parents and legal guardians can request immunization records electronically at www.tulsa-health.org/shotrecords. Requests will be processed within 5 business days.

2. Extended hours at two locations

From August 6-23, the immunization clinic at the James O. Goodwin Health Center, 5051 S. 129 E. Ave. will stay open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the Central Regional Health Center, 315 S. Utica, will stay open until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. On Fridays these locations will be open regular hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. Pop-Up Immunization Record Request Clinic

Tulsa Health Department will provide immunization records to parents and legal guardians at Woodland Hills Mall, 7021 S Memorial, on August 4 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. during Tax Free weekend. The Oklahoma Caring Van will be on site to provide vaccines to children who qualify for the Vaccine for Children program.

THD provides immunizations according to the Oklahoma school requirements, CDC recommendations and the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule.

Children transferring into Oklahoma schools from other states may need the hepatitis A vaccine. This vaccine is not required for all states; however, hepatitis A vaccine is required for all Oklahoma students in grades kindergarten through twelve.
Students entering the 7th grade must receive a Tdap booster. Teens in the 8th through 12th grades must also have one dose of Tdap if they have not received it already.  Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).  Meningitis and HPV vaccines are also recommended for adolescents at 11 years of age. First-time college enrollees who will reside on campus are required to receive the meningitis vaccine.
Infants, children and adolescents under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or guardian and bring a copy of their current immunizations record to receive immunizations.
THD accepts the following health insurance: Medicaid, SoonerCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Care, Health Choice, Cigna, and Medicare.  It is recommended to check with the insurance company to verify coverage for requested vaccines.  Clients with private insurance not listed may pay for vaccines.

Children through age 18 years are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge 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 about immunization clinics and state immunization requirements please visit Tulsa Health Dept. immunizations page or call 918-582-WELL (9355). 

Cox Media Group