Flu Vaccines Available at Pat Walker Health Center

Get a head start protecting yourself from the flu this year and schedule an appointment for your annual flu vaccine with the Allergy, Immunization & Travel (AIT) Clinic. To schedule, call 479-575-4451, option 1, or visit the online Patient Portal if you're a returning patient with Pat Walker Health Center's Medical Services.

This year's flu vaccine is trivalent and designed to protect against three different strains of the virus including the following updated strains: influenza A (H3N2), influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B (Victoria lineage). 

Because influenza (flu) viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine composition is reviewed each year and updated as needed, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Even though the accuracy of predicting which strains will be most prevalent varies every year, the vaccine still reduces the risk of contracting the flu.

It's important to note the influenza vaccine cannot guarantee you won't get the flu. It can, however, lessen the chances of getting infected. Also, if you do catch the flu, it will help minimize your symptoms. 

If you are ill, wait until you are recovered and fever-free before getting vaccinated.  

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. However, people should continue to get vaccinated as long as flu viruses pose a threat to their community.  

Those who should not get the vaccine are children younger than 6 months, anyone who has previously had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine and those with a severe egg allergy. 

The CDC notes that individuals should get a vaccine every year because a person's immune protection from vaccination declines over time. An annual vaccination is needed to get the "optimal" or best protection against the flu. 

For more information about flu vaccines at the health center, visit health.uark.edu or call 479-575-4451. 

About Medical Services at Pat Walker Health Center: Medical Services supports the University of Arkansas community by providing efficient and convenient access to medical, mental health, substance abuse and support services. The care team is committed to improving and maintaining the overall well-being of the university's students, faculty and staff by creating an inclusive environment promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Medical Services is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/medical-health.  

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.