The Arkansas Department of Health has stocked its Local Health Units with influenza vaccines, which are now available on a walk-in basis.
According to the department, vaccines are available for no out-of-pocket expense. While Individuals are encouraged to bring their insurance cards, those without insurance will receive the vaccine at no charge.
State officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated ahead of the flu season, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year it will be especially important to get a flu shot,” state epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in a statement. “This is mainly for two reasons: You don’t want to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The second reason is because flu vaccinations can go a long way to keeping people out of the hospital. And we want to decrease the number of hospitalizations in Arkansas as much as possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
While flu vaccines can cause mild soreness, low fever and headache, the Department of Health said the vaccines do not cause flu and are safe.
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