Speaking of Flu Shots...

News Release
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2008

Benton County Providing Flu Shots on November 7, 2008
County Testing Mass Dispensing Plan

Flu season is near, and it’s also time to get your flu shot. On November 7, 2008, the Benton County Health Unit in coordination with the St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Spring and Siloam Springs Bridges to Wellness will be exercising its local Mass Vaccination Dispensing Plan by providing flu shots at the St. Francis Clinic, 304 S. Maxwell, Siloam Springs from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The purpose of the clinic is to provide flu vaccination to County citizens and also to exercise the county’s mass dispensing plan. Dr. John Huskins, Benton County Health Officer, said, “The time to practice dispensing large amounts of medication is now, before we have a disaster. It’s important for Benton County citizens to get their flu shot to protect them from influenza this year. It’s also important to exercise our County Mass Dispensing Plan.”

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reports that there is an ample supply of flu vaccine this year. This County effort is part of 81 health units statewide that are participating in one-day mass flu vaccination clinics.

Participants are advised to bring their Medicaid, Medicare and /or state insurance card. There will be no charge to those that do not have coverage and are unable to pay.

A Parent, Grandparent or legal guardian must accompany all children. No exceptions will be made.

After the day of the Mass Dispensing Plan exercise, a cost of $20.00 per shot will be observed at the Benton County Health Unit for those not enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, the Vaccines for Children Program or selected state insurance programs.

For additional information you may contact the Benton County Health Unit 479-271-1055 or St. Francis Clinic 479-524-9550.