LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansans can now prepare for the upcoming flu season by getting their vaccine during clinics across the state.
Starting Monday, Sept. 27, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will be giving flu vaccines at each county health unit throughout the state.
The flu shot will be available at no cost during the community vaccine clinics but those receiving a vaccine are asked to bring their insurance cards with them.
If you don't have insurance or your insurance does not cover the vaccine, you will still be able to receive one at no cost.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Chief Medical Officer. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to keep yourself healthy and out of the hospital.”
Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for most adults and children ages six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against flu viruses expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a doorknob, with the virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth. Good handwashing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
Fayetteville Public Health Officer, Dr. Marti Sharkey says it’s safe for pregnant women to get both the covid-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Expectant new mom and registered nurse, Trista Davis says she got the covid-19 vaccine during her second trimester and would’ve gotten her flu shot while pregnant but she’s having her baby early. She says at first, she was hesitant about getting the covid-19 vaccine while pregnant.
“I started doing some research and some reading and after I read the baby would have the antibodies and because this variant doesn’t discriminate. Being a nurse I’m around sick people sometimes and it’s concerning,” she said.
Sharkey says the flu shot is highly recommended for pregnant women because babies cannot get the flu vaccine until they are 6 months old.
“The antibodies the pregnant mother makes from the flu vaccine cross both the placenta and are also available in breast milk, so by a pregnant woman getting vaccinated in their third trimester, they are protecting themselves and their newborn,” she said.
If you are interested in getting your flu vaccine from the ADH you can find a all mass vaccinations clinics in our area below.
Benton County Health Unit
- Rogers Activity Center
- Friday, October 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Crawford County Health Unit
- Wednesday, September 29 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Franklin County Health Unit
- Charleston Community Center
- Tuesday, September 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Franklin County Health Unit
- First United Methodist Church
- Thursday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Johnson County Health Unit
- Marvin Vincent Center
- Monday, September 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Logan County Booneville Health Unit
- Thursday, September 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Logan County Paris Health Unit
- Monday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Madison County Health Unit
- Thursday, September 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Scott County Health Unit
- Tuesday, September 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sebastian County Health Unit
- Wednesday, September 29 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Washington County Health Unit
- The Jones Center in Springdale
- Monday, September 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.