Tulsa Health Department Now Offering Updated COVID-19 And Flu Vaccines

The Tulsa Health Department is now offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu shots. Doctors say these vaccines can keep you from getting sick, make your illness less severe, and keep you from spreading the virus to other people.

Health experts say that every year during the fall and winter seasons, viruses like the flu and COVID-19 lead to hospitalizations, and in severe cases, death. That's why they say taking advantage of these vaccines early is important.

Ellen Niemitalo, manager of immunizations with the Tulsa Health Department, said the updated COVID vaccine is likely going to be an annual recommendation for everyone six months and older, similar to the flu vaccine.

"The vaccine will be changed a little bit to hopefully cover the circulating strains of the virus and help prevent against serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and the vaccine that is the updated version of vaccine is effective against the current strains that are circulating," Niemitalo said.

Niemitalo said the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccines are also recommended for those who might be at risk of serious illness, have chronic conditions, are older, or are pregnant. She said since the flu shots are also available, you can get both at the same time.

"Individuals can get their flu and COVID vaccine at the same time. They can get it in the same arm or one in each arm. Really the side effects are similar to what people normally would experience. Often times it’s just a little bit of a sore arm," Niemitalo said.

There are four locations offering these shots: the Central Regional Health Center, the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, and the Sand Springs Health Center are all offering the updated COVID vaccine starting on October 1 and take walk-ins. The Collinsville Health Center will start offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine starting on October 2 and will require appointments.