Swine Flu Shots Available to Some in South Arkansas

Sanitizing and washing her hands are just a couple of the things Shelley Sullivant is doing to stay swine flu free. “I’m worried, my baby was born early so has a bit more at risk than others.” Shelly has two kids under the age of four. The good news is they will qualify to get free H1N1 shots, the bad news, she will not. “I don’t want to get kids sick and it would be bad as a mother to get swine flu.” Along with school kids, kids under the age of four will also get the H1N1 shot. Women who are pregnant and kids ages 5 to 18 with an underlying health condition are also marked, high priority. But that leaves tons of folks wondering, when do I get my shot? Francie King said, “I stay in house a little more; try not to get around everybody.” And Rudy Brijl agrees, “It bothers me because swine flu is out there and stuff. A lot of people unfortunately won’t be protected.” Officials at the Union County Health Department say they are still getting shipments of the vaccine and are expecting an increase in supply in late November. Michael Crow works at the Union County Health Department, “We look forward to the day we have it for everyone who wants it.” In the meantime people like Shelley are being cautious. “I sanitize the buggy; I’m one of those mothers that take the Lysol wipes and stuff.” King agrees, “I never know who is sick who’s sick so I don’t want to shake hands or give hugs because you don’t know who’s sick or who has swine flu.” The Union County Health Department is holding a free flu shot clinic this Friday. It’s happening from 7 A.M to 3 P.M. at the auditorium in El Dorado. Seasonal flu shots will be available to anyone who wants one, the H1N1 vaccine will only be available to those who qualify.