SFC Health Department sets flu shot clinic for Sept. 30
The St. Francis County Health Unit will be offering flu vaccinations on Friday, Sept. 30, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The drive-through clinic will be held at the Forrest City Civic Center .
“We want St. Francis County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” said Kathy Barron, administrator of the St. Francis County Health Unit. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or to the local health unit to get their flu shot.”
Barron explained that the Civic Center facility is being used for the clinic because it “seems to be the best centralized location to host the clinic for everyone.”
Barron said those wanting to get the flu shot should bring their insurance cards with them to the clinic.
"If they do not have insurance or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge," said Barron.
According to Barron, an 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.
"We've had reports of flu cases already in our state," said Barron.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Arkansas Department of Health Chief Medical Officer. “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.”
Barron added that people of all ages can get the flu.
"Immunocompromised people, especially, should get vaccinated," said Barron. "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."
Barron said the ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. She adds 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 ADH, 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," said Barron. "There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine."
Exceptions for skipping the vaccine 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 Barron.
She said the virus is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it.
"Good hand-washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine," said Barron.
For more information, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.