The Lawrence County Health Unit will be holding a FLU CLINIC on Monday, November 6th at the Lynn United Methodist Church between the hours of 1 and 3 pm. The Clinic is being offered to everyone in the community. Bro Dennis Calaway, the pastor of the Methodist Church said that they asked the county health unit to offer the clinic so that it would be available to those in the Lynn area. We wanted to offer an additional opportunity for as many people as possible to get the flu vaccine.
State health officials say 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 flu season.
“Last year’s flu season was the worst in Arkansas in terms of flu deaths in the last forty years. It was a reminder that flu should not be taken lightly,†said Dirk Haselow, M.D., State Epidemiologist at ADH. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine 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.â€
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 recommend 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.
ADH says 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. So good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu. However, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If anyone does not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu vaccine, the vaccine will be available at no charge.
To find out about other flu vaccine clinics that will be offered in the county, contact the county health department or visit the department’s website at: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov
Or download a schedule at http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/infectiousDisease/Immunizations/SeasonalFlu/Documents/MassFluSites.pdf