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November
3, 2004
Little Rock -- As of 1 p.m. this afternoon, the Arkansas Department of Health is reporting that over 79 flu vaccination sites statewide distributed vaccine to 42,011 high-risk individuals. This represents more than two-thirds of the total doses available to Arkansans through public health.
Dr. Joseph Bates, ADH deputy state health officer, stated, “This year’s influenza season has presented the nation and Arkansas with some unique challenges. Because we are facing a shortage of flu vaccine, we asked Arkansans to step up to the plate and help us limit vaccine distribution to only high-risk citizens. We want to thank Arkansans for rising to the occasion.”
The Arkansas Department of Health thanks its partners and staff for their efforts during this vaccination program and asks Arkansans to remember that the flu shot is one of several ways to reduce the risk of getting sick.
As of 1 p.m. this afternoon, 43 clinics in 35 counties closed, having given their entire allotment of vaccine. The remaining clinics will stay open until at least 6 p.m. if they have vaccine. After 6 p.m., each clinic manager will determine when to close based on patient load. The following clinics have depleted their supplies: ARKANSAS, ASHLEY, BRADLEY, CALHOUN, CLAY, CLEBURNE, CLEVELAND, CROSS, DALLAS, FULTON, GRANT, GREENE, HEMPSTEAD, HOT SPRING, HOWARD, INDEPENDENCE, IZARD, LAFAYETTE, LITTLE RIVER, MISSISSIPPI-BLYTHEVILLE, MONTGOMERY, MONROE, OAUCHITA, PIKE, POINSETT, POLK, PRAIRIE, RANDOLPH, SHARP, STONE, UNION, VAN BUREN, WHITE, WOODRUFF, and YELL.
With flu vaccine remaining today, the Pulaski County clinic at the State Fairgrounds will reopen Thursday, November 4, at 8 a.m. for those meeting the high-risk criteria. If your county has not closed due to depleted doses, you may contact your county health unit for details about future clinics times and locations.
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.
ADH Hotline: 800-651-3493
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