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Two Oklahoma Caring Vans to provide free immunizations to young evacuees at Camp Gruber

TULSA, OKLA. –  The Oklahoma Caring Vans, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, will offer free immunizations Friday, Sept. 9, to children relocated to Camp Gruber from the areas of the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Over 300 children at Camp Gruber, about 18 miles southeast of Muskogee, are in need of vaccinations, particularly for Hepatitis A. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidelines about the immunizations needed for children in evacuee centers.

The Tulsa City/County Health Department is providing both vaccines and nurses to deliver the immunizations.

Each immunized child will receive a goodie bag that includes pens, crayons and coloring books. Packets with information about immunizations also will be distributed to parents of newborns.

The Oklahoma Caring Van Program is designed to help children receive the immunizations they need to stay healthy. Established in 1999, the Caring Vans are mobile units staffed by registered nurses who administer free vaccinations to children at licensed child care centers, licensed child care homes, schools and community events. Since the program began, more than 25,000 children have been immunized statewide.

The Oklahoma Caring Van Program is administered through The Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.