OKCIC promotes safe practices to protect our communities.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants to promote ways to prevent illnesses like cold, flu, RSV and COVID-19 this winter.
Respiratory illnesses are common in winter because people are indoors more often, allowing viruses to spread easily. Additionally, the cold, dry air can weaken the body’s resistance.
“Viruses like COVID-19 and flu can lead to other illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis,” said Janice Hixson, MD, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “It’s crucial to get vaccinated and take other precautions to keep your lungs healthy.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases peak between December and March. National Influenza Vaccination Week will be observed December 5-9, 2022 to encourage everyone to get vaccinated before flu activity peaks in their community. OKCIC offers flu vaccinations for patients ages six months and older. Find more information about scheduling an appointment at okcic.com
COVID-19 vaccines have been effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone ages six months and older, and boosters for those ages five and older. Boosters are recommended because recent data suggests the COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness against infection or severe illness may decrease over time. OKCIC offers COVID-19 vaccinations for patients and non-Native community members. The Moderna primary series is available for ages six months – five years, and the Pfizer-BioNTech booster is available for those ages five and older if it has been at least two months since the last dose of the primary series or last booster dose. Call (405) 595-3100 option 2 to schedule an appointment.
Although vaccinations are effective at preventing illness, there are additional ways to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after sneezing, coughing, using the bathroom and before eating.
- Remember to sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow. Throw the tissue away immediately, and wash your hands immediately.
- Follow CDC guidelines for when and where to wear a mask. If you are sick with COVID-19, wear a well-fitted mask around people or animals, even at home. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick. Stay home if you are sick, except to receive medical care. If you have COVID-19, let your provider know before your appointment.
Many respiratory illnesses will be circulating this winter, but you can take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 22,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.