PRESS RELEASE

Little Rock – On Tuesday, September 27, 2022, the Hempstead County Health Unit of the
Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at no charge at Hempstead Hall,
2500 S Main St, Hope from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. People should bring their insurance cards with them
to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the
vaccine will still be available at no charge.

“We want Hempstead County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu
vaccination is the best line of defense,” Debbie Howard, Hempstead County Health Unit
Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit
to get their flu shot.”

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu
virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are
expected to cause the most illness this flu season.

“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, ADH Director. “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.”

People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if
they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic
health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who
live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu
vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in

these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility
that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.

The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and
redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical
reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of
the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often
receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.

The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door
knob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are
important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.