Flu vaccination clinics arrive across state | Families

Health officials across the country are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot and they are making it easy by hosting influenza clinics around the state.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6-months-old or older.

Officials say pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease are encouraged to get the shot.

“Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. “An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and reduces the possibility that you will spread flu to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, then the less opportunity flu has to spread throughout the community.”

County health departments will not charge families whose income is less than 185% of the federal poverty level, and there is no charge for those 65-years-old and older.

There will also be no charge for children who have no health insurance, are on SoonerCare, are Native American, are Alaskan natives or those whose insurance does not cover vaccines.

Officials say there will also be no charge for individuals enrolled in HealthChoice and the Oklahoma Public Employees Health and Welfare insurance plans.

Children and adults with health insurance that covers vaccines will be charged a fee of $25.

For more information, visit the Oklahoma State Health Department.