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There are so many things to enjoy during the fall, from changing leaves to pumpkin-flavored treats, but there’s one thing you might have forgotten to add to your list of activities: getting a flu shot.
Flu viruses usually spread in the fall and winter, so getting a flu shot in the fall can lower your chances of getting the flu or make the flu less severe if you do get it. The best time to get a flu shot is by the end of October, but you will still get all of the benefits and protection of the flu shot if you get it later than that.
You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, most pharmacies or your local health department, and most insurance plans cover the full cost. If you don’t have health insurance, there are lots of ways to get free or low-cost flu shots: • The Vaccines for Children Program provides free vaccines to children under 19 who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Most pharmacies will accept coupons for flu shots from sites like GoodRx.
• The UAMS Mobile Health Unit offers free flu shots to the public, regardless of insurance status. Visit nwa.uams.edu/chr/ mobile-health to find out where they will be next.
Updated COVID-19 shots are also available this fall, and many people choose to get one at the same time as their flu shot, which is perfectly safe. The updated COVID-19 shots are available for free through your insurance plan. Those without insurance can get the updated vaccine for free through the Bridge Access Program. Visit vaccines.gov to search for a participating location near you.
The annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
If you and your family need help finding a doctor, a Community Health Worker can help. Community Health Workers connect people to health services and can help you find a doctor who is a good fit for your family. Visit nwa.uams.edu/chr/ chw to get started.
••• Dr. Sheldon Riklon is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with UAMS Community Health & Research in Springdale.
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