Visit Immunization Clinics Early To Avoid Back-To-School Rush

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 2019-2020 school year.

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

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 does 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. Parents are advised to bring their child’s most recent vaccination record.

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.

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. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday Clinic will stay open until 6:00 p.m. from August 5-22nd . 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 – Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Clinic will stay open until 6:00 p.m. from August 8-22nd. 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 (918-371-4122)
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 (918-245-5311)
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