Polk County Health Unit Announces Mass Flu Clinic

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Polk County Health Unit has announced their annual mass flu clinic will be held Wednesday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Health Unit, 702 Hornbeck in Mena.

Some places around the country have experienced a ‘shortage’ in their flu vaccination supply. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) explains that it isn’t exactly a shortage but rather the manufacturers taking the time to properly test and produce vaccines that cover the most expected strains of influenza for the season. In a statement released by the CDC, they explained, “Three kinds of flu viruses commonly circulate among people today: Influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses. All of the 2014-2015 influenza vaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus; a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus. Some of the 2014-2015 flu vaccine also protects against an additional B virus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus).” Although there are three main strains of the flu, each of those strains can be broken down into sub-categories to create dozens of different flu types.

Each year, vaccine manufacturers try to predict the most expected strains and base their vaccines from that. Because of that factor, companies have very little time to create, test, make, and distribute the vaccines. This causes temporary shortages in the system. The newest vaccines are normally distributed between October and November each year.

It is recommended by the CDC that everyone gets a vaccine before flu season starts to lessen time sick, missed school or work, and medical fees. As of mid-October, seven influenza vaccine manufacturers are projecting that as many as 151 million to 156 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available for use in the United States for this season.

The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Reactions to all flu vaccines might include mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and perhaps a little fever or slight headache. The mist form of the vaccine is recommended for everyone between the ages of two years through 49 years of age who do not have asthma or other problems that might impair their immune system.

There are very few medical reasons to avoid the flu vaccine. They include life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or to eggs, or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Persons with a non-life threatening egg allergy may be vaccinated but need to see a doctor specializing in allergies.

Influenza symptoms include fever over 100 degrees, headache, feeling tired, sore throat, muscle aches, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, and occasionally stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

The influenza virus is spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it and then touching the nose or mouth. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, practice good hand washing, and cover your cough.

The Arkansas Department of Health recommends getting the flu vaccine wherever it is available (pharmacies, other health care providers). It is very important for pregnant women to get their flu shot. Call Polk County Health Unit at 479-394-2707 for more information or go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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