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February
7, 2005
Little Rock --
Flu activity is increasing statewide, according to the Arkansas Department of Health, (ADH) with flu-like illness in more than 50 counties. It’s not too late to get your flu shot. It is important to note that it takes two weeks for flu shots to take effect. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. If you are exposed to the flu during the two-week period in which your shot is taking effect, then you may get influenza.
To make more flu vaccine available to people, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released to states vaccine purchased by the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. As a result, the ADH will lift all VFC vaccine restrictions for non-profit health providers and ADH local health units. Health Department local health units and non-profit health providers can use this vaccine to immunize anyone in the general public. As of February 2, the Health Department flu vaccine inventory consisted of VFC vaccine and state purchased vaccine and is enough to immunize approximately 15,000 Arkansans. The ADH is reducing the cost of a flu shot from $15.00 to $10.00 because the Health Department received VFC vaccine at no cost. The $10.00 fee covers administrative costs.
Everyone can help prevent the spread of influenza by taking action:
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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Whenever possible, stay home from work, school or errands when you are sick
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Wash your hands with soap often
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Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
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If you smoke, try to quit. You are more susceptible to upper-respiratory disease when you smoke.
For the latest information about the flu vaccination program in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) website at
http://www.healthyarkansas.com/flushots.htm.
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