FREE Flu Shots For Miller and Hempstead Counties in Arkansas, Dates and Times Here!

The Miller County Health Unit and the Hempstead County Health Unit, both with the Arkansas Department of Health are having FREE Flu Shot events near the end of September, keep reading for dates and times.

The Mass Flu Vaccination Clinic for Miller County will be on Wednesday, September 25 from 7 AM until 3 PM at the Four States Fairgrounds.

The Free Flu Vaccination Event for Hempstead County will be on Friday, September 27 from 9:30 AM until 3 PM at the Hempstead Hall located on the UofA Hope campus at 2500 S Main St, Hope, AR.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. 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.

“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Medical Director for Immunizations at ADH. “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.”

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.

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 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. 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 a Press Release.

For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.cdc.gov.