ASU to host second mass flu immunization clinic Dec. 10; JETS to provide transportation to walk-in clinic

Dec. 9, 2009 -- A second mass immunization clinic, under the direction of the Arkansas Department of Health, will be held on the campus of Arkansas State University on Thursday, Dec. 10. Both seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines will be available to everyone while supplies last, including children needing second shots for full protection. This is a walk-in clinic, and participants will enter and exit the clinic from the Yellow Entrance of the Convocation Center, 217 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro. Plentiful parking at the Convocation Center should ensure few problems with traffic.

The doors of the Yellow Entrance of the Convocation Center will open at 9 a.m. and will remain open until 4 p.m., or until vaccine supplies are exhausted. Wheelchairs will be available for those who need them. Those being vaccinated should wear clothing that allows easy access to vaccination sites in the upper arms. Stay tuned to radio station KFIN, 107.9 FM, which will be broadcasting live from the Convocation Center, to help estimate the time needed for vaccination.

Those wishing to use Jonesboro Economical Transit System, or JETS, as transportation to receive their flu shots should use Line 50; it stops near the Yellow Entrance of the Convocation Center, on the southwest side of the intersection of University Loop East and Alumni Drive. For questions on how to use the JETS system and transfer to Line 50, call 935-JETS (935-5387). Steve Ewart, director of transit at JETS, says his staff will be happy to answer all calls related to JETS transportation, and that he and his staff will do all they can to assist people to get to the clinic.

This clinic provides the best venue for receiving the seasonal flu vaccine, since most local providers do not have seasonal flu vaccine in stock. While some local providers have stocks of H1N1, not all local providers have that vaccine.

Although there is no charge for the vaccine, persons choosing to be vaccinated are asked to bring their health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or ARKids First cards so that the Arkansas Department of Health can file with the insurance providers.

Complete flu information is available on the Arkansas Department of Health’s Web site, www.healthyarkansas.com, or by calling 1-800-651-3493.

 

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