Kay County Health Department will offer a drive-thru flu shot event for individuals ages 12 and up. This event is by appointment only, on Friday, October 16th as part of the “Say Boo to the Flu” campaign. The event will be held at the Ponca City RecPlex located at 1604 W Grand Avenue in Ponca City. Flu shots will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to recipients. Those with insurance are asked to provide their card showing coverage. To schedule an appointment please call the Kay County Health Department at 580-762-1641.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect our communities, especially vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever.

When more people are vaccinated against the flu, there is less opportunity for flu to spread in families, schools and communities. During the last flu season, 3,580 Oklahoma residents were hospitalized because of flu-related illnesses -- including 383 children under age four – and 85 Oklahomans died, including three children under age 17.

CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with flu viruses as they change. A yearly flu shot is needed because a person’s immune protection from being vaccinated decreases after a year, and yearly vaccination provides the best protection against the flu through the entire flu season.

In addition to getting a flu shot, public health officials recommend the following prevention tips:

Maintain social distancing by avoiding close contact with others (about 6 feet);

Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth when in public settings;

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often;

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol;

If you are sick, take the following steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness:

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care;

If seeking medical attention, call ahead;

Avoid public transportation or ride-sharing;

Separate yourself from other people and pets within your home;

For more information, call the Kay County Health Department at 580-762-1641.