The Jefferson County Health Department will offer flu vaccinations at the Pine Bluff Convention Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29.
The effort is part of the statewide mass flu clinics of the Arkansas Department of Health.
People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they don’t have insurance or the insurance doesn’t cover flu shots, the vaccine will be available free.
“We want Jefferson County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of protection,” Angela Parker, Jefferson County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the mass clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”
Even though new observations about the flu vaccine continue to be made, experts continue to recommend annual flu vaccinations for children and adults, according to a news release. 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.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Dirk Haselow, state epidemiologist at the state Department of Health. “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 can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes 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.
“Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these 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,” according to the release.
“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,”according to the release.
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 one’s nose or mouth.
“So good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu. However, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine,” according to the release.
Details: www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov or for details on getting vaccines at the Jefferson County Health Department, call 870-535-2142.