TAHLEQUAH —
Since the onset of flu season in September, 17 people across the state have died from the respiratory illness.
Deaths have been reported in 10 different counties, including Cleveland, Comanche, Creek, Mayes, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Pittsburg, Rogers, Stephens and Tulsa.
Tulsa County was one of three recently to report a flu death and has the most at four, while Comanche County has reported three influenza deaths.
No deaths have been reported in Cherokee County, but four people have have been hospitalized with the flu, according to the State Department of Health’s Influenza Activity Summary report.
Local health officials urge those who haven’t received flu vaccination yet to do so as soon as possible, as shots are still available. The Cherokee County Health Department recommends people 6 months of age and older get vaccinated to protect themselves, as well as those around them.
“The Cherokee County Health Department has plenty of flu vaccine to accommodate the county needs at this time,” said CCHD Eligibility Analyst Sarah Johnson. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu. That’s why it’s better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets under way.”
According to information released earlier this month, 4,905 patients at W.W. Hastings Hospital received flu shots between October and December. The Cherokee Nation hospital reported 120 cases of flu during that period, and 80 cases had been reported through Jan. 10.
Cherokee Nation Infection Preventionist Jennifer Tredway said the facility has an ample supply of the vaccine, which is being dispersed throughout the Cherokee Nation.
“Others may be running out, but we still have plenty of vaccine here at W.W. Hastings,” she said. “We are sharing with our eight Cherokee Nation health centers to help all of us get through this flu season, which has peaked much earlier than last year.”
According to the tribe’s press release, the Cherokee Nation has not yet not shared its supply of flu vaccine with non-Cherokee health centers, but has a history of doing so during previous flu seasons when shortages have occurred.
Tahlequah City Hospital reports having sufficient vaccine for inpatients upon their discharge from care. The public can get vaccinated through Tahlequah Medical Group primary care providers.
“Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred at our clinic located just off East Ross bypass in Tahlequah,” said TCH Infection Control Officer Cheri Oglesbee. “The components of this year’s flu vaccine are right on target. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the vaccine is 99.5 percent effective against Flu B, H3N2, and 100 percent effective against Flu A, H1N1, which are mostly in circulation in the U.S.”
To schedule an appointment at the TCH bypass clinic, call (918) 207-0991, and for information about receiving the flu vaccine at the Cherokee County Health Department, call (918) 456-8826. Oklahoma flu updates can be viewed online at www.health. ok.gov.
Local News
Health officials: Flu vaccine still available
- Local News
-
-
Grave circumstances
Cemeteries are often thought of with solemnity. If monuments are properly preserved, they can be a boon to genealogists and historians, and provide a place for generations of family to gather and remember lost loved ones.
-
Bike trails will increase cycling interest
One of the most unique uses for a stationary bicycle is to power a generator connected to a blender, making a juice drink in a tiny store in a jungle, as demonstrated on a Travel Channel show.
-
Second Begay jury trial to begin
Despite new DNA evidence introduced in the case, a district judge has decided to go ahead with a man’s second planned jury trial on child sex abuse charges.
-
Lawns will need extra TLC this season
Summer is almost here, and before the mercury hovers at the century mark, local residents are working to get the lawns in shape.
-
Wheelin’ our way
Freewheel representatives were in Tahlequah Wednesday, scouting their upcoming route.
-
Rock gets 17 years for burning baby
A Cherokee County mother charged with using an iron to burn her 14-month-old baby last year will spend 17 years in prison as part of a plea agreement on child-abuse charges.
-
Anti-smoking bill draws mixed reactions
Anti-tobacco legislation recently signed into law by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has some local residents expressing concern over what they view is another liberty lost, while others are pleased with measures they believe will protect public health.
-
Two snared after taking marijuana
Two people were arrested this week after authorities found them to be in possession of marijuana.
-
Two hurt in attack at apartment
Two people were hospitalized and a third was arrested Wednesday morning after an attack at Pleasant View Apartments.
-
Feds mull lowering blood-alcohol cutoff to .05
Federal safety investigators are encouraging all states to lower the existing blood-alcohol content cutoff of .08 to .05, and local authorities have varying opinions on the request.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
