Flu Vaccine Walk-in Clinic Begins at Pat Walker Health Center

Flu vaccines are now available in the Allergy, Travel and Immunization Clinic at Pat Walker Health Center.

Individuals can receive their vaccine with no appointment necessary during the scheduled walk-in clinic hours from 3-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Students, faculty and staff can also call and schedule an appointment for a flu shot if they cannot make it to the walk-in clinic. To schedule an appointment, go to myhealth.uark.edu or call 479-575-7723.

"Don't let the flu interfere with classes, work or Razorback football games! Getting a flu shot is the single best way to protect yourself, your family and friends from the flu," said Lyn Edington, RNC director of nursing at the Pat Walker Health Center. "We have already started to see reported cases of the flu, so it's important everyone practices good respiratory hygiene to prevent spreading and contracting the flu virus."

It is recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual influenza vaccination. Additionally, it is best to receive the flu vaccine earlier in the fall to be protected throughout the entire flu season.

"Last year the health center saw its largest number of reported flu cases, most of which were confirmed late in the flu season," said Edington. "Getting your flu shot early is the best and most effective way to make sure you protect yourself throughout the entire flu season."

The flu shot will be available at the cost of $20 for students or $50 for faculty and staff. Individuals who would like to bill their insurance should bring their member ID card with them to the health center.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu, especially countertops, doorknobs and cellphone.

If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home from work/class until you are fever free for at least 24-hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine. See your primary care physician to help reduce the severity of the flu.

Have flu-like symptoms? Schedule an appointment with the health center at myhealth.uark.edu, or call 479-575-4451.

For more information about the flu, visit health.uark.edu.