The Arkansas Department of Health is holding a second round of mass flu clinics beginning Monday, Dec. 7, designed to immunize Arkansans against both the seasonal and the H1N1 influenza. The unprecedented effort will continue through Dec. 18, with a local shot clinic included on the schedule.

“We’ll be offering both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the Piggott Community Center,” noted Kim Donner, A.P.N., administrator of the Clay County Health Unit. “This time both vaccines are in ample supply that we will be able to offer either one, or both, of the shots to everyone,” she added.

During the first mass flu clinic earlier this fall, the H1N1 vaccine was only offered to those in priority groups, such as pregnant women and the very young. This time both shots are being made available as long as they remain in supply. “We’ve got a good supply on hand locally, and everyone who feels they may benefit will be able to get immunized,” Donner added.

As with the first clinic, there is no charge for the vaccine but persons vaccinated are asked to bring their health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or ARKids First cards so ADH can file with their insurance providers.

Officials also noted that children under the age of 10 should have a second H1N1 shot and children less than nine years older who have never before been vaccinated for seasonal flu should have a second shot of that vaccine. They also specified that those shots should be given at least four weeks apart.

Arkansans were also reminded that both strains are highly contagious and easily spread from person-to-person. To avoid catching the flu everyone is reminded of the three C’s — clean, cover and contain. Clean and properly wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and contain your germs by staying at home when you are sick.