The latest national data show seasonal flu beginning to pick up speed. Flu shots are available now at Healthy Connections, and walk-ins are welcome.
Flu activity is rising. That does not mean every Arkansas community is experiencing the same level of illness, and it is not a reason to panic. It means flu season is moving, and this is a good time to get ahead of it.
The CDC’s October 23 FluView report found that seasonal influenza activity was increasing in many parts of the country while remaining low nationally. Several indicators have been climbing since late August or early September, and the CDC reported that early-season activity was higher than typically seen at this point in the year.
Arkansas’s latest published Viral Respiratory Diseases Weekly Report classified influenza-like illness activity as minimal for the week ending October 10. The report also recorded 122 laboratory-confirmed flu cases while cautioning that reported cases represent only a fraction of the people actually affected.
Those reports are not contradictory. Flu activity does not rise everywhere at the same time, and every weekly report is a snapshot.
The important message for Arkansas families is straightforward: flu is beginning to gain speed nationally, and there is still an opportunity to prepare before it disrupts school, work, travel and holiday plans.
The quick answer
Flu shots are available now at Healthy Connections.
You can:
- Walk into a Healthy Connections medical location
- Schedule an appointment
- Ask for a flu shot during a medical visit you already have scheduled
- Call 888-710-8220 for information or an appointment
If you have health insurance, your flu shot will likely be covered, often at no cost to you. Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, ARKids First, Medicare and most private insurance plans.
Why getting ahead of flu matters
The best time to prepare is before flu activity becomes widespread.
According to the CDC’s seasonal flu vaccine guidance, the body generally needs about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies that help provide protection against influenza.
A flu vaccine cannot guarantee that someone will not become sick. Protection can vary based on a person’s age, health and how closely the vaccine matches the viruses circulating during the season.
Vaccination can still help reduce the risk of flu illness, medical visits and serious outcomes. It may also reduce the severity of illness among vaccinated people who still get the flu.
Waiting until flu is affecting your workplace, school or household gives your body less time to build its response. Making your pit stop now puts that process in motion.
Is the end of October too late?
No.
September and October are generally good months for most people to receive a flu vaccine. However, the CDC says vaccination should continue after October and throughout the flu season while flu viruses are circulating.
The calendar should not become a reason to skip vaccination.
If you have not received your flu shot, the useful question is not whether you selected the perfect date. It is whether receiving one now is appropriate for you.
A Healthy Connections provider can help you answer that question based on your age, health history and individual needs.
Who should make a pit stop?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for most people age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
Vaccination is especially important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications from flu. According to the CDC’s information for people at increased risk, those groups include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after pregnancy
- People with asthma or other chronic lung conditions
- People with diabetes
- People with heart, kidney or liver disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
Some children between 6 months and 8 years may need two doses during the same flu season. Whether a child needs one or two doses depends partly on the child’s previous vaccination history.
Not every flu vaccine is appropriate for every person. Different vaccines are approved for different ages, and a previous serious reaction or certain medical conditions may affect the recommendation.
If you have concerns, bring them with you. Our guide to questions about flu shots explains what patients may want to discuss with their healthcare provider.
Convenience without giving up your connection to care
Flu shots are offered in many settings. Healthy Connections provides the convenience patients need while connecting vaccination to ongoing healthcare.
A visit gives you an opportunity to ask questions about:
- Your age and health history
- Previous vaccine reactions
- Allergies or current illnesses
- Whether your child needs one dose or two
- Other preventive services you may need
- Health concerns you have been putting off
You do not have to schedule a separate appointment just to begin the conversation. Walk-ins are welcome, and patients with an existing medical appointment can ask to receive a flu shot during that visit.
You can review our complete guide to flu shots at Healthy Connections or find a Healthy Connections location near you.
What will a flu shot cost?
For many patients with health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for a flu shot is $0.
Most health plans cover recommended preventive services, including immunizations, without a copayment or coinsurance when they are provided by an in-network healthcare provider. Coverage rules can differ, so patients with questions should check their individual benefits.
Learn more about insurance coverage for preventive services through HealthCare.gov.
Healthy Connections accepts:
- Medicaid
- ARKids First
- Medicare
- Most private health insurance plans
Patients without insurance can ask about available payment options and the Healthy Connections sliding-fee program.
Some health plans also connect preventive services to annual healthcare requirements, wellness benefits or rewards. A flu-shot visit may qualify under certain plans, but requirements vary. Check with your health plan or benefits administrator for details.
One stop can keep more than one thing moving
Fall calendars fill quickly. School events, work deadlines, sports, travel and holiday plans compete for the same limited time.
That is exactly why Healthy Connections makes getting a flu shot straightforward.
You can walk in. You can make an appointment. You can ask for your flu shot while you are already here for another medical visit.
There is no need to wait for another announcement or for flu activity to become high in your community. The race is already beginning to move.
Make your pit stop now
Healthy Connections has flu shots available at our medical locations across Arkansas.
Walk in, make an appointment or ask about receiving your flu shot during today’s visit. Our healthcare team can answer your questions and help determine what is appropriate for you or your child.
Call 888-710-8220, explore our primary care services or find a Healthy Connections location.
The race is on. Stay on track and make your pit stop today.
Frequently asked questions
Is flu activity rising?
Yes. The CDC reported on October 23, 2026, that seasonal influenza activity was increasing in many parts of the United States, although activity remained low nationally. Flu conditions can differ by state and community.
Is flu activity high in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Health classified influenza-like illness activity as minimal in its report for the week ending October 10, 2026. The department also cautions that surveillance captures only part of the actual number of people affected.
Is the end of October too late for a flu shot?
No. September and October are generally good times for most people to be vaccinated, but flu vaccination can continue after October and throughout the flu season while flu viruses are circulating.
How long does flu-vaccine protection take to develop?
The body generally needs about two weeks after vaccination to develop antibodies that help provide protection.
Do I need an appointment at Healthy Connections?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for flu shots. You can also schedule an appointment or ask for a flu shot during another medical visit.
Can I receive a flu shot during today’s appointment?
Yes. Tell your Healthy Connections care team that you would like to receive a flu shot before you leave.
Will my health insurance cover my flu shot?
Most health plans cover recommended flu vaccination as preventive care. For many insured patients, the out-of-pocket cost is $0 when the vaccination is provided in network. Check your individual plan if you have questions about coverage.
Does Healthy Connections have flu shots available?
Yes. Flu shots are available at Healthy Connections medical locations. Walk in, make an appointment or ask for one during today’s visit.
Who should talk with a provider before getting a flu shot?
Talk with a healthcare provider if you have experienced a serious reaction to a previous flu vaccine, have questions about allergies, are currently experiencing a moderate or severe illness or have another concern about your health history.
How do I find a Healthy Connections location?
Visit the Healthy Connections locations page or call 888-710-8220.
This article provides general health information and does not replace individualized medical advice.