Tulsa Health Department offering free vaccines during flu season

TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Health Department (THD) is now offering updated COVID and flu vaccines. Julia Profit-Williams with THD said they’re trying to get people vaccinated now to get ahead of the curve.

“As with any other year, we expect an increase with individuals who will experience flu and COVID,” Profit-Williams said.

Profit-Williams said flu and COVID vaccines don’t grant you immunity from the viruses, but they do lessen symptoms.

“We know that the symptoms will be less, that means less time off work and you’re less likely to give it to other people," Profit-Williams said. "That makes us a healthier community."

Profit-Williams said they’re encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, but especially those that are 65 or over. They can get a high dose flu vaccine for added protection.

“We know that they’re more vulnerable and their immune systems are different than us under 65,” Profit-Williams said.

CDC data for 2023 shows more than 300,000 flu hospitalizations and between 17,000 and 100,000 flu-related deaths. More than 76,000 people died from COVID-related causes in 2023.

Profit-Williams said THD is trying to stress just how dangerous these viruses can be.

“We know that we have a high death rate in the United States for flu and COVID, those are things we can work to lesson that impact on our country, on our society, on our community,” Profit-Williams said.

But we shouldn’t overlook things we can do to stay safe. Washing your hands, distancing from people who are sick and wearing a mask can play a huge role in lessening the impact of flu and COVID.

“Being vaccinated is the best line of protection, but we can never go wrong with good hand hygiene,” Profit-Williams said.

To be proactive, Profit-Williams said the THD is now offering more opportunities to get vaccinated.

THD takes most insurance and they can provide the COVID vaccine for uninsured individuals. The flu vaccine is $25. You can find days and times here .

These vaccines are optional, so if you don’t believe in vaccines, the best way to protect yourself if by following these steps: Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and take care of yourself by getting enough rest and eating well.