Date: December 16, 2024
As the weather turns colder, respiratory illnesses such as the flu, colds and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) become much more common. The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health offers the flu and RSV vaccinations.
RSV is a viral disease that primarily affects children and seniors but can occur in people of all ages. RSV spreads easily, can last for many days and sometimes can cause serious complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. RSV symptoms can include fever, cough, congestion, sneezing and runny nose. In infants, watch for trouble eating and swallowing, wheezing, fast or shallow breathing, belly breathing and tugging between their ribs or at their lower neck.
The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV immunization in all infants up to 8 months of age and First American children through 19 months. It is also recommended for adults ages 60 and older. One injection protects for five months.
The flu shot is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
RSV and flu vaccinations are available to eligible patients at no-cost at all CNDH clinic locations in Ada, Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo.
For additional information, please visit ChickasawNationHealth.net or call (580) 272-1037. If your child has any breathing trouble, changes to their usual breathing or a blue or gray color to their lips, mouth and fingernails, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.