“Getting your flu shot is a safe and simple way to keep yourself healthy while also protecting those who need it most — like our elders, children, and loved ones with health conditions. It’s a step we can all take to look out for one another this season.” – Abbi Lee
MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Flu season is here, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health’s Mobile Flu Vaccine Clinics are rolling out. The department released a schedule of the stops across the Mvskoke Reservation during September and October. The clinics are open to all citizens of federally-recognized tribes who are 12 years of age and older. The department encourages everyone to receive a flu shot, especially children and elders. Vaccinations help lower the spread of diseases like influenza. Most importantly, flu vaccinations lower the chance of severe illness, hospitalizations and long-term health issues.
Tribal citizens that attend a mobile flu shot clinic will need to provide their Tribal citizenship card or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card. The clinics are designed to be quick and efficient for people with busy schedules. According to MCN Health Communications Manager Ashtyn Salsman, most patients are checked in, vaccinated and finished with their appointments within just a couple minutes.
MCN Health is already starting to see a rise in flu cases this year. According to MCN Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jessicah Gilmore, this is why it is important for citizens to take early precautions by getting their flu shot as soon as possible during flu season.
“While we haven’t seen notable flu-related hospitalizations so far, our providers are already diagnosing flu cases in clinics and express care visits earlier than we typically expect,” Gilmore said. “That’s why we’re strongly encouraging people to take advantage of our mobile flu clinics and get vaccinated now.”
MCN Health Public Health Officer Abbi Lee assured that the vaccine is not only safe to take, it is important to take because it helps protect vulnerable populations.
“Getting your flu shot is a safe and simple way to keep yourself healthy while also protecting those who need it most — like our elders, children, and loved ones with health conditions,” Lee said. “It’s a step we can all take to look out for one another this season.”
For those who are apprehensive about getting poked, Gilmore said the benefits are worth it. Those who annually receive their flu shot significantly reduce their chances of getting sick or being hospitalized.
“The vaccine is a safe way to protect yourself and those around you,” Gilmore said. “It not only helps prevent serious illness for you, but it also protects those who may be more vulnerable. If you have concerns, we encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider.”
To learn more about the flu vaccine, visit the Center for Disease Control website, cdc.gov.
MCN Mobile Flu Shot Schedule:
Okmulgee Elderly Nutrition
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sept. 30
2975 Martha Berryhill Avenue, Okmulgee
One Fire Casino
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sept. 30
1901 N. Wood Drive, Okmulgee
Okemah Elderly Nutrition
11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 1
1100 S. Woody Gutherie, Okemah
Okemah Casino
Oct. 1
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
121 W. Lincoln, Bristow
Bristow Elderly Nutrition
Oct. 2
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
121 W. Lincoln, Bristow
Holdenville Elderly Nutrition
Oct. 6
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
224 E. Popular Street, Holdenville
Holdenville Casino
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Oct. 6
221 E. Willow Street, Holdenville
Muscogee Casino
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Oct. 7
3420 W. Peak Boulevard, Muskogee
Dewar Elderly Nutrition
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 8
903 E. 6th St., Dewar
Eufuala Elderly Nutrition Center
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 8
800 Birkes Road, Eufaula
Tulsa Indian Community
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 9
8611 S. Union Avenue, Tulsa
Checotah Casino
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Oct. 9
830 N. Broadway Street, Checotah
Creek Nation Council House
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Oct. 13
100 W. 6th Street., Okmulgee
Sapulpa Elderly Nutrition
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 14
1020 N. Brown Street, Sapulpa
Duck Creek Casino
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Oct. 14
100851 Ferguson Road, Beggs,
Wetumka Elderly Nutrition
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 15
608 N. Creek Street, Wetumka
OKC Resource Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oct. 22
4111 N. Lincoln Boulevard, OKC
College of Muscogee Nation
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oct. 24
STEM Building
2170 Raven Circle, Okmulgee
