The Arkansas Pharmacy Association issued a press released on Monday (Jan. 14) saying it is not too late to get a flu shot.
The flu season is peaking and some pharmacies may be out of vaccine temporarily, but most can reorder vaccine within 24 to 48 hours, the association noted.
“It’s not too late to get a flu shot,” Dr. Eric Crumbaugh, immunization coordinator for the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, said in the statement. “Patients who still need a flu shot should contact their local pharmacist. There is still plenty of vaccine available but demand is up.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the seasonal influenza may be reaching epidemic proportions and peaking. The vaccine takes 10 days to provide full protection. No vaccine is 100% effective. Those who are vaccinated may still get the flu but it will be a milder case.
Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious virus that is spread when people are in close contact with one another. It is important to protect adults and children. The virus can cause a mild to severe illness, and can even lead to death. Link here for more CDC information on the best protection for seasonal influenza.
The Arkansas Pharmacists Association, founded in 1882, is the statewide professional association representing approximately 2,200 pharmacists in Arkansas.