The Clark County Health Unit held its mass flu vaccination clinic at the Arkadelphia Recreation Center Friday. The clinic began at 7 a.m., with scores of people lining up to receive the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations. The vaccination will be dispensed based on availability at this emergency drill, and the clinic will be held Friday until 5:30 p.m. or until the vaccine runs out.
Any H1N1 vaccine on hand will be given only to those in high priority groups — all children ages 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, and children ages 5-18 with underlying medical conditions. After Friday, anyone who comes to the local health unit for a seasonal flu shot will be charged $20, unless they have Medicare or Medicaid. ARKids First is a Medicaid program for young people up to age 19 and it, too, will cover the cost of a flu shot at the unit.
Due to limited supplies of vaccine, it may not be available for the majority of the general public until later in the year. In photo, a little girl reacts before getting her flu shot.