The Baxter County Health Unit, part of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will host a free flu vaccination clinic Friday, offering a convenient drive-thru option at its new location on 850 Buttercup Drive in Mountain Home. The clinic is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents participating in the event should enter the health unit property from Buttercup Drive’s south entrance. Vehicles will pass under a canopy at the front of the building, and drivers will exit at the rear of the property onto Buttercup Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring their insurance cards, though the flu vaccine will be provided at no cost for those without insurance or for individuals whose insurance policies do not cover flu vaccinations.
"We want Baxter County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense," said Stacey Ferretti, Baxter County Health Unit administrator. "We encourage everyone to come to the community event or the local health unit to get their flu shot."
Flu vaccinations are also available at the health unit for those unable to attend Friday’s clinic. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and for children aged six months and older, according to the ADH.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADH’s chief medical officer, underlined the importance of vaccination, stating, "The flu should not be taken lightly. 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."
Health authorities note that the flu spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as contact with shared surfaces like door knobs or handrails. Those at greater risk include older adults, young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions, people who smoke, and nursing home residents. The ADH also recommends vaccination for caregivers, friends, and family members of individuals in these vulnerable groups.
The flu vaccine has been declared safe by health officials and does not cause the flu. Some recipients, however, may experience minor side effects such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or a slight headache. For additional information on ADH programs or the flu virus, residents are encouraged to visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.