FOR RELEASE: December 9, 2003
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Media Advisory
News Conference Tomorrow on Status of Flu in Oklahoma

What: News Conference - Influenza in Oklahoma

When: Tuesday, December 9, 11 a.m.

Where: Oklahoma State Department of Health
1000 N.E. 10th Street
Conference Room 328

Featuring:

• Dr. Mike Crutcher, State Health Commissioner
• Dr. Kristy Bradley, Interim State Epidemiologist
• Kelly Deal, Director, Tulsa Metropolitan Medical Response System
• Dr. Paul Dungan, Director, Oklahoma City-County Health Department
• Melanie Christian, Community Relations Manager, Tulsa City-County Health Department

Background: More Oklahomans have received their influenza vaccination earlier this year as a result of a sooner-than-expected flu season. This has resulted in limited flu vaccine supplies in many areas of the state. In addition, although serious complications of the flu and flu-related deaths are reported each year in Oklahoma, this year’s flu season appears to be particularly troublesome. This news conference will address the current status of influenza in Oklahoma, vaccine supplies, high risk groups who should still try to get a flu shot, hospital emergency room and critical care issues, and precautions the public can take to help prevent influenza and other serious respiratory diseases.

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