H1N1 part of seasonal flu vaccine

TULSA - Some people have already stopped by the Visiting Nurse Association office at 7875 E. 51st Street for flu shots.

Clinical manager Candy Lawrence says the vaccine won't be available there until September 20th.

"At some point the antibodies start decreasing. So if you take it too early, then it's not going to be effective," explained Lawrence.

Lawrence thinks the early requests stem from fears over last year's H1N1 virus, commonly called the swine flu. It caused the first global pandemic in more than 40 years. It's estimated that the virus killed more than 12,000 people worldwide, including dozens here in Oklahoma.

The Centers for Disease control now recommends that everyone six months and older gets the vaccine.

"In years past, it was just people over 65 and people with chronic illnesses," said Janice Sheehan, communicable disease manager with the Tulsa Health Department.

She says this year, the H1N1 vaccine has been added to the seasonal flu vaccine, which means patients will only need one shot.

"The vaccine manufacturers are manufacturing more vaccine. So there should be plenty to take care of the populations," Sheehan said.

Also different this year, the Health Department will be charging $25 per shot because of state budget cuts. Sheehan hopes it doesn't discourage people from getting vaccinated.

"We will just say there is a $25 charge," Sheehan said. "But if they say they can't pay, we hope to be able to give the vaccine to them and not turn anyone away."

Even though the H1N1 pandemic ic over, experts say the same level of precaution is needed.

"There's always a concern that people can get the flu. 36,000 people die every year just from the seasonal flu," said Lawrence.

Numbers that could go down with just a single shot.

Flu shot schedule:

Walgreens, CVS - available now

St. John Urgent Care -

Visiting Nurse Association - Sept. 20

Tulsa Health Department - Oct. 4