Flu vaccination clinic will be held Sept. 29 at Four States Fairgrounds in Texarkana

Close-up medical syringe with a vaccine.
Close-up medical syringe with a vaccine.

TEXARKANA, Ark. - The Miller County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health will offer free flu vaccinations Wednesday, Sept.29, at the Four States Fairgrounds.

Vaccinations will be given from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone wanting a vaccine should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge, according to ADH.

"We want Miller County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense," said Sandra McGough, Miller County Health Unit administrator.

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.

Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADH Chief Medical Officer, said she would encouraging everyone to get a flu shot because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be.

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 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.

Anyone who receives the vaccine, may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache.

Some people have allergies to some ingredients of the vaccine and should consult their doctor if they have concerns. They may still be able to receive the vaccine if they are monitored in a doctor's office.

(For more information, visit healthy.arkansas.gov or flu.gov online.)

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