Oklahoma Caring Van gives 100,000th immunization

Oklahoma Caring Van gave its 100,000th immunization to 4-year-old Chiara Roberts, of Tulsa, Monday. The program began in 1999 and provides free immunizations by traveling to licensed child care centers and schools across the state.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Previous Play Next

Regular Photo Size2/2

Posted: 08/27/2012

TULSA - The Oklahoma Caring Van reached a major milestone Monday with the immunization of the 100,000th child since the program began more than a decade ago.

Operated by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc., the Caring Van Program was founded in 1999 and provides free immunizations to children across the state.

On Monday, 4-year-old Chiara Roberts, daughter of Gary Roberts of Tulsa, became the 100,000th child to be immunized aboard the Caring Van, which travels to licensed child care centers, schools and where the need is greatest.

In the 2011 edition of America's Health Rankings, Oklahoma ranked 46th in immunization coverage for children ages 19 to 35 months, meaning Oklahoma's children may be at higher risk of illness or death caused by infectious disease.

The state was previously ranked 18th in 2010.

Monday's Caring Van event began at 9 a.m. at Emergency Infant Services, located at 222 S. Houston Avenue in Tulsa.