Cherokee Nation Offering Flu Vaccinations in Muskogee

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

Saturday, Nov. 5

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is offering a free, convenient way for Muskogee-area residents to get this year's flu vaccine. A community flu vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 am - 2 pm at the Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee, 1001 South 41st Street East.

Flu viruses are always changing and each year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause the flu. Cherokee Nation Health Services and the US Center for Disease Control advise that the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Yearly flu vaccination should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season. Timing and duration of influenza varies depending on the season, which typically begins in October and last until May, peaking in January and February.

"Every year as flu season approaches, we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against the flu," said Dr. Charles Grim, W.W. Hastings Hospital's senior director of health services. "This year is no exception; people who get vaccinated have less risk of getting the flu and if they do get the flu it is usually a milder case."

The flu shot is recommended for everyone, however some patients such as children ages 6 months to 19 years, expectant mothers, anyone over 50, people who have chronic medical conditions, and health care workers who are vulnerable to the flu should get the vaccine.

posted October 28, 2011 6:30 am edt