It’s the time of year for flu shot clinics to open across the Twin Lakes Area. In Marion County Friday flu vaccinations will be offered at the Marion County Health Unit from 7:00 in the morning until 3:00. On Friday, October 6th the Baxter County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at 206 Bucher Dr. from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will be available at no charge.
Lou Anne McLendon RN, Baxter County Health Unit Administrator, says the Health Department wants Baxter County residents to stay healthy this flu season and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of protection.
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 years vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
State Epidemiologist at ADH says the flu shouldn’t be taken lightly because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be this year.
People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu including older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine.
It is also recommended 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 they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
Arkansas Department of Health officials say 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, however 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 doctors office where they can be monitored.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth. So good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu. The best way to prevent the flu however is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to or go to www.flu.gov <http://www.flu.gov>.
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