Flu vaccinations now available

GUYMON – Yesterday, healthcare providers throughout the state began offering seasonal ‡u vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ensured that extra vaccines are available this year—Oklahoma will distribute 400,000 ‡u vaccine doses, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).

The OSDH reported that last year, 3,580 Oklahomans were hospitalized and 85 died due to ‡u-related illnesses. The CDC recommends getting the vaccine by the end of October to begin protecting against the ‡u before it begins to spread in communities.

The OSDH said in a press release that the ‡u vaccine “is an effective way to prevent ‡u illness and another great tool for mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.” While the vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it can help reduce ‡u-related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths, helping to ease the burden on healthcare facilities and conserve medical resources for the care of people being treated for COVID-19, according to the OSDH.

Many children age 18 and younger are eligible for free vaccinations, and free ‡u shots are available at county health departments and community health centers. There are also options for free ‡u vaccinations for both insured and uninsured adults.

On Friday, October 9, locals can get their vaccines at a drive-through ‡u clinic in the parking lot of the Texas County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be asked to wear face masks, wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm and remain inside their cars. No out-ofpocket expenses will be charged, but participants are asked to bring copies of their insurance cards for filing purposes.