TULSA, OK –
As Tulsa Public Schools families prepare for the new school year, health providers are encouraging parents to check immunization records, schedule routine visits and address health concerns before students return to class
A free Back-to-School Health Fair at Eastside RISE’s El Centro on Aug. 15 brought health services and other realth screenings, health education, car seat safety information, backpacks, school supplies, food and family activities
Jabraan Pahsa,who leads the Office of Health and Well-Being in the mayor’s office, said the event was designed to make health care more accessible while bringing community organizations together |
Q: Why was the back-to-school health fair important for Tulsa families?
Pasha: “We see it as a way to celebrate this community. We see it as a way to celebrate the youth of this community, to get them together.”
The event offered free food and drinks, backpacks and school supplies while also providing access to immunizations and health providers
Pasha said the goal was to create a low-stress setting where families could receive care and connect with re
“We know the impact of immunizations. We know that they save lives,” Pasha said
Q: Why bring these services directly into the community?
Pasha: “So when you come together, the rey.”
The event was organized through partnerships involving the Tulsa mayor’s Office of Health and Well-Being, Humana Healthy Horizons and Eastside RISE
The Tulsa Health Department mobile clinic and Oklahoma Caring Van provided immunizations, while other participating organizations offered health screenings, education and connections to additional services
Pasha said those partnerships can help build trust between the city, health care providers and residents
Syeachia Dennis, a family doctor with Humana Healthy Horizons, said parents should make sure their children have had a recent well-child visit and are current on recommended immunizations |
Q: What should parents do before sending their children back to school?
“Go get that well-child visit if your child hasn’t had one recently. Get those immunizations that are recommended by your pediatrician. Talk to your pediatrician about what your child needs,” Dennis said
Dennis also encouraged families to pay attention to nutrition and make sure children have healthy food and snacks as they begin the school year
Q: What if a child wakes up sick before school?
Dennis said parents should contact their child’s primary care provider for guidance, including after-hours services when available
“If you have a concern, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what the next steps is,” Dennis said
Dennis said parents know their children best, but health care providers can help families determine whether a child should stay home, be evaluated or return to school
Q: What immunizations are required for TPS students?
Tulsa Public Schools requires students to have updated immunization records or a state-approved exemption on file before attending class
Required vaccines include DTaP, polio, MMR, varicella, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, with requirements varying by grade level
For seventh-grade entry, students also must have a Tdap vaccination
Families whose children cannot receive vaccines for medical, religious or personal reasons must submit a state-approved exemption form, according to the information provided for the event
Q: What re
Pasha encouraged Tulsa residents who need assistance to use the re
“If you need help, there are resaid
The Tulsa Health Department and Oklahoma Caring Van offer free immunizations for qualifying TPS students, including children who are uninsured, underinsured, enrolled in SoonerCare or Medicaid, or American Indian, according to the event information
Families who need to check a child’s immunization status can also contact their school or health care provider
Ethan Wright
