TULSA - We’re just about a month away from school starting back up, which means it’s time to get your kids enrolled and to take care of important vaccinations.
Health professionals are urging parents to get your children caught up on their vaccines now so you don’t have to wait in long lines later.
Before your child steps into the classroom this fall, there are a few necessary shots they’re required to receive in Oklahoma.
"There are vaccines that are required for students entering kindergarten and usually it’s a DTP, polio, MMR, and chickenpox vaccine. And those can be combined to where there’s two injections but anytime after a child turns four they can receive those vaccines, but they do have to have them before they enter kindergarten in Oklahoma," Ellen Niemitalo, Manager of Clinic Services at the Tulsa Health Department, said.
Additionally, a TDAP is needed once a student enters seventh grade and meningitis and gardasil vaccines are recommended once a child turns 11.
Niematalo said it’s better to get the shots sooner rather than later.
"Every year there’s a rush on parents coming and seeking immunizations in August," Niematalo said. "So, if you get them now before that two or three week rush of August, it will take a whole lot less time and be a lot less chaotic for you to go ahead and just that out of the way.”
Immunization exemptions are allowed in the state for a few reasons including medical, religious or personal, in which a parent or guardian needs to detail the specific reason.
Health professionals encourage parents to make a well-informed decision before skipping out on vaccines.
Here's a list of the clinics where you can receive the required shots.
James O. Goodwin Health Center
5051 S. 129th E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday
Central Regional Health Center
315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday
North Regional Health and Wellness Center
5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74126
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, Collinsville, OK 74021-3111
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Tuesday (by appointment only)
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays (Walk-ins welcome)
Sand Springs Health Center
306 E. Broadway, Sand Springs, OK 74063-7911
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
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