Mass flu clinic set at convention center Nov. 19 Special to The Commercial The Jefferson County Health Department will hold a mass flu clinic at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Flu vaccines will be given from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. If residents don’t have insurance or their insurance companies don’t pay for the vaccines, the medication will be available free. If residents have insurance, the health department will ask their insurance carriers to pay for the cost of giving the vaccine. It is important to get a flu vaccine every year, because the flu virus changes from year to year. This year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this season, a spokesman said. “We want Jefferson residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best line of protection,” Angela Parker, the county health unit administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the clinic to get their flu vaccine.” People of all ages can get the flu; but certain people are more likely to have serious health complications if they get it. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who live in nursing homes. “Last year’s flu season was the worst in Arkansas in terms of flu deaths in the last three decades. This is a reminder that flu is not an illness that should be taken lightly,” said Dr. Dirk Haselow, state epidemiologist at ADH. “Many Arkansans have lost loved ones to the flu. Before you decide to skip the flu vaccine, think about those who care about you or count on you.” 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. For those who do not like shots, the flu mist is another option. The flu mist is recommended for anyone between the ages of two through 49 who does not have asthma or other problems that might weaken their immune systems. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. They include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or to eggs, or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. People with a non-life-threatening egg allergy may be vaccinated but need to see a doctor specializing in allergies. The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it and then touching the nose or mouth. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year and practice good hand washing. Schedules for dates and times of flu clinics, which will be held in each county, can also be found on the Arkansas Department of Health website at healthy.arkansas.gov. Details: Visit healthy.arkansas.gov or flu.gov .
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:44:25 +0000
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