The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
TULSA, OK – The Tulsa Health Department reminds parents of children entering kindergarten or the 7th grade that now is the time to visit immunization clinics to avoid the back-to-school rush that starts every year in August. There are no new immunization requirements for the 2018-2019 school year.
“Our clinics get very busy as the first day of school approaches, which is why we encourage families to immunize their children now while there is little to no wait time,” said Priscilla Haynes, Tulsa Health Department division chief of preventive health services. “Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of your child against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
THD offers several convenient features to help clients during this busy time:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The demand for vaccines turns into a rush before school starts in August because of the booster shots which are due after a child turns 4, and required before children enter kindergarten. Most children entering kindergarten are required to receive a second dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine), a fourth dose of polio vaccine, and a fifth dose of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines). A second dose of varicella is recommended at four years of age.
Children transferring into Oklahoma schools from other states may need the hepatitis A vaccine. This vaccine is not required for all states; however, two doses of hepatitis A vaccine are 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 12 th 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.
Childhood immunization clinics are available at the following times and locations:
James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129th E. Ave.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday Clinic will stay open until 6:00 p.m. from August 6-23rd
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
Central Regional Health Center |315 S. Utica
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday Clinic will stay open on Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. from August 9-23rd
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday
Collinsville Health Center | 1201 W. Center (918-596-8650)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays
Sand Springs Health Center | 306 E. Broadway (918-591-6100)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mondays
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays
For more information about immunization clinics and state immunization requirements please visit www.tulsa-health.orgor call 918-582-WELL (9355).
