The Baxter County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will host a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic on Friday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home.First United Methodist is located at 605 West 6th Street. Participants are asked to enter from Bucher Drive around back of the church and then exit on West Road.
There is no cost to receive a flu shot, although those with health insurance are asked to bring their insurance cards with them to the clinic.
Flu vaccinations will also be offered at the Baxter County Health Unit beginning Oct. 4.
Baxter County Health Unit Administrator Stacey Ferretti says, “We want Baxter County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense. We encourage everyone to come to the community event or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”
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.
Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults; younger children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease; people who smoke; and people living in nursing homes. The ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It also recommends that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in high-risk groups also get a vaccine, not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they 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 show 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 for a possible reaction.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it, then touching their nose or mouth. Good handwashing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.
For more information, on the flu vaccine, call the Baxter County Health Unit at (870) 425-3072.
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