Free flu shots available in state

SPRINGDALE — The Arkansas Department of Health is offering free flu shots at local offices in response to the 125 flu-related deaths already reported in the state this season.

“The state continues to see a high number of flu cases and flu-related deaths this season,” Meg Mirivel, public information officer for the Health Department, wrote in a news release. Any Arkansan who hasn’t yet received a flu shot can go to his local health unit, she said.

The local health units are listed on the Health Department’s website at www.healthy.arkansas.gov/healthunits.

Loy Bailey, director of Benton County’s Health Department, said the flu season in Benton County has mirrored the rest of the state and region, with reports of the flu coming in early and continuing. Bailey said the Rogers office is working with people trying to get flu shots and anyone who hasn’t yet gotten a shot should do so. He said anyone who’s at the Rogers office before 4 p.m. will be seen. Normal business hours end at 4:30 p.m., he said.

“It’s been a little more severe this year than in recent years,” Bailey said. “We’re continuing to encourage those who have not gotten the vaccination to do so. It can still prevent it or, if you do get it, it will appreciably lessen the severity of your illness.”

Mirivel said the state has given about 215,000 flu shots so far this season, compared with about 220,000 in the last flu season. She said the department won’t have final totals, which will include shots given at clinics, pharmacies and doctor’s offices, until the season has ended.