The Public Health department is a team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, patient relations representatives, women’s health care navigator, lactation counselor, a prevention specialist and more dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic patients.
Immunizations are critical in improving and maintaining good health. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can and still occur in this country, but keeping current on immunizations can help keep these diseases from becoming an epidemic.
The following standard immunizations are offered:
- Routine Childhood Immunizations (0-18 years old)
- Yearly flu shot
- 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year old
- 4-6 year old boosters
- 11-12 year old boosters
- 16 year old booster
- Routine Adult Immunizations (19+)
- Yearly flu shot
- Hepatitis A/B
Tuberculosis screening is also available for adults. These tests are given every day of the week except for Thursday. Once the test has been placed, it must be read by Public Health no sooner than 48 hours afterwards and no later than 72 hours afterwards. If the test is not read within the proper time frame, the test will be invalid and must be repeated.
Bring in or fax immunization records to OKCIC’s Public Health immunization clinic. The Public Health office is located at 5208 W. Reno Ave. on the first floor. The fax number is (405) 595-3197.
Head Lice Examinations
Head lice are parasites that can be found on the head, eyebrows and eyelashes of people. To survive, they must feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are most commonly found on the area behind and around the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head, but can be located anywhere on the scalp. Actual numbers are unknown, but it is estimated that 6 million to 12 million infestations a year occur among children ages 3-to-11 years old.
Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation:
- Tickling feel of something moving in the hair
- Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping
- Head lice are most active in the dark
- Sores on the head caused by scratching
- These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria found on the person’s skin
How head lice is spread:
- Head lice is commonly spread by head-to-head contact with an already infested person
- Although uncommon, head lice can also be spread by sharing clothing or belongings
- Dogs, cats and other pets DO NOT play a role in the spread of head lice
Shampoo treatments for head lice can be dispensed by a Public Health nurse, as needed. Each person of the household must present to the Public Health department for an exam in order to receive a shampoo kit. Only one kit per person is dispensed, unless a follow-up treatment is required upon further examination.
Plan B (aka Morning After Pill)
Plan B is a hormone that can be used for emergency contraception. It is also commonly known as the Morning After pill. It is a one dose regimen to be taken as close as possible to immediately after unprotected sex. It works by either preventing or delaying ovulation or by interfering with the fertilization of an egg. If the pill is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%.
You can take Plan B if:
- You didn’t use any birth control
- The condom came off or broke
- The diaphragm slipped out of place
- You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row
- You forgot to insert your ring or apply your patch
- Your partner didn’t pull out in time
- You have another reason to think your birth control might not have worked
- You were forced to have sex
Do not take the Plan B if:
- You know you are pregnant or suspect you might be
- You have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to its ingredients
- You have a history of recent abnormal vaginal bleeding that your doctor has not yet evaluated
Remember, Plan B does NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Call (405) 948-4900 ext. 465 for more information or to schedule your appointment.