Vaccination Guidance for Oklahoma Families Ahead of School Year

The Tulsa Health Department (THD) is advising families to arrange immunizations ahead of the upcoming school year to sidestep the seasonal demand surge. Clinics experience an increase in visits, particularly from those preparing children for kindergarten or seventh grade. To streamline this process, THD provides an online portal and phone scheduling at (918) 582-WELL, alongside select walk-in opportunities.

Walk-in Clinics and Scheduling

• Central Regional Health Center at 315 S. Utica on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• James O. Goodwin Health Center at 5051 S 129th E Ave on the same days and times.
• North Regional Health and Wellness Center, 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, offers walk-ins on Tuesdays, with other days requiring appointments.
• Sand Springs Health Center requires appointments and is open Fridays only.

Extended walk-in hours are available on designated August dates from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. JP Williams, Associate Director of Preventive Health Services, noted, “Back-to-school season is a great time for parents to review their child’s immunization record and ensure they are up-to-date on all required and recommended vaccines.”

Regulatory Compliance and Required Vaccinations

Compliance with Oklahoma’s school immunization regulations is essential, with no changes slated for the 2026-2027 academic year. Required vaccinations include Dtap, polio, MMR, and varicella for kindergartners, with Tdap necessary for seventh graders. Additional recommendations include meningitis and HPV vaccines for those aged 11 and meningitis B at age 16. College-bound students are urged to ensure complete immunization, especially against meningitis.

Students transferring to Oklahoma schools might need the hepatitis A vaccine, which is mandatory for state students unless exempt. Parents should bring children’s vaccination records for updates and entry into the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System, with staff following up on any recommended inoculations.

Access to Vaccinations and Records

Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at appointments; guardians must provide proof of their status. Williams emphasized the importance of vaccinations in maintaining health from childhood through young adulthood. The Vaccine for Children program offers complimentary vaccines to Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, Native American, or under-insured children. Low-cost immunizations are available, and THD accepts various insurances like Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare, with families encouraged to confirm coverage details with their insurers.

Requests for shot records can be submitted online or in-person at THD locations. Vital Records orders for birth certificates must be placed online or by phone, with mailing options available, often requiring longer processing times. A Will Call pick-up service is also offered for vital records.

To assist families further, a back-to-school event is scheduled for August 1 at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, where attendees can access vaccinations, receive school supplies, and engage with community services. Additional information is available at tulsa-health.org/back2school or by calling 918-582-WELL (9355).

THD operates across nine Tulsa County locations, offering a range of services to ensure community health.