ADH | Flu

CONTACT US
For more information on flu, call the ADH hotline at 1-800-651-3493.

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

CDC Hotline:
1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
1-888-232-6348 TTY 24 Hours/Day

Although the number of new infections with 2009 H1N1influenza has been decreasing, Arkansans are still at risk for H1N1 influenza infection. Therefore, it is important to increase the number of those vaccinated with 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine within the state. Though this has been an unprecedented year in terms of the number of people who have received flu vaccinations, most people still have not gotten the 2009 H1N1 vaccine – this applies to every age and risk group.

Key groups who should get their vaccine include:

General Public and Health Care Workers

People with Chronic Health Conditions

Pregnant Women, Children, Caregivers of Children less than 6 Months Old

Young Adults

Seniors

Influenza is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of 2009 H1N1 influenza, but we do know that vaccination is the single best way to reduce the health impact of influenza.
We have an ample vaccine supply conveniently available free at our local health units or for a minimal charge at a large number of pharmacies and healthcare providers around the state.

Two Flus, Two Vaccines

There are two flus, seasonal flu and H1N1, circulating this year. Protecting against the two flus requires two vaccinations.
The two flus pose different risks to different groups of people (see below). Most people should plan to get both flu vaccinations.

A flu shot will not give you the flu.

Arkansas Immunization Scorecard

A total of 626,578 doses of seasonal and H1N1 vaccine were administered during two rounds of statewide mass vaccination clinics conducted at 1,242 sites in nearly every county in the state and in schools and daycares from mid-October through December 23. The total number of seasonal and H1N1 doses administered at mass flu clinics was 306,200 (189,784 doses of seasonal vaccine and 116,416 doses of H1N1 vaccine). A total of 320,378 doses of vaccine (177,828 seasonal and 142,550 H1N1) were given at school and daycare sites.

Vaccine Priority Groups

H1N1

Pregnant women
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Seasonal

Those age 65 and older
Children younger than 2 years old
People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease)

Vaccine Safety

The benefits of immunization outweigh the risks. All vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine, are held to the highest standard of safety and are continually monitored.
Each year, millions of Americans safely receive seasonal flu vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as seasonal flu vaccine by the same companies that make seasonal flu vaccine. The National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine has been tested and safely used in children, pregnant women and adults The H1N1 vaccine can prevent serious illness or even death, particularly for those who seem most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu. Not getting vaccinated could result in disease or putting others, such as babies or people with cancer, at serious risk for illness. If you care for a young baby, it’s important that you get vaccinated so you can protect your baby.

Vaccine Information Sheets