The Arkansas Department of Health will hold mass flu vaccinations in Lonoke and Cabot.
The Lonoke Health Unit will offer flu shots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at 306 N. Center St. in Lonoke.
The Cabot Health Unit will have flu vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 at 118 S. First St. in Cabot.
People should bring their insurance cards with them. If one does not have insurance or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will be available for free.
“We want Lonoke County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of protection. We encourage everyone to come to the mass clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot,” said Milton Garris, Lonoke County Health Unit administrator.
Even though new observations about the flu vaccine continue to be made, experts continue to recommend annual flu vaccinations for children and adults. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
Department of Health state epidemiologist Dr. Dirk Haselow said, “The flu should not be taken lightly. We are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be this year.”
People of all ages get the flu. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, smokers, and people who live in nursing homes are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu.
The state Health Department strongly recommends people in those groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.
The flu easily spreads through coughing or sneezing and touching objects, such as a doorknob with the virus on it and then touching one’s nose or mouth. So good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot.