Flu season is almost upon us and area residents will have a chance to protect themselves against the virus this week with free vaccinations.
Baxter County Health Unit Administrator Lou Ann McLendon, RN says free flu shots will be given Friday from 8 to 4:30 at the Baxter County Health Unit located at 206 Bucher Drive. She says anyone over the age of six months may receive the vaccine and with the following documentation.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
The flu vaccine will only be given by injection form, there will be no nasal vaccinations given, according to McLendon. Those who should not get the vaccine are anyone who is allergic to eggs, has had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system with complications that can be deadly, says McLendon. She advises everyone to get immunized against the flu, especially anyone at high risk like young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.
Listen:
The Arkansas Department of Health says vaccination is the best way to protect against flu, noting the vaccine can reduce the chance of hospitalization by as much as 70 percent. In addition to vaccination, other ways to prevent infection include regular hand washing, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
For more information on flu shots or flu prevention, call the Baxter County Health Unit at 425-3072 or Marion County Health Unit at (870) 449 – 4259.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI