Flu season is here, and the best way to stay healthy is to fight back. Healthy Connections clinics across Western and Central Arkansas are now offering the 2025–2026 flu vaccine. A flu shot is your strongest defense against serious illness, complications, and hospitalizations caused by influenza.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot every year. Getting vaccinated before the end of October is ideal, since it takes about two weeks for your body to build full protection. Don’t wait until the flu starts spreading in your community — protect yourself now and stay ahead of the season.
Why Get a Flu Shot This Year?
The flu is more than a “bad cold.” It’s a contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, especially for children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Each year, the flu results in:
- Millions of illnesses nationwide
- Hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations
- Tens of thousands of deaths
The 2025–2026 flu vaccines were carefully developed to protect against the strains most likely to circulate this season. By choosing to get vaccinated at Healthy Connections, you are taking the most effective step to:
- Reduce your risk of getting the flu.
- Lessen the severity if you do contract it.
- Protect those around you, including vulnerable family members and neighbors.
- Decrease the overall burden on local hospitals and clinics.
When you roll up your sleeve, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re fighting back for your family and your community.
What’s New for the 2025–2026 Flu Season
Each year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC review global data to determine which flu strains are most likely to spread. They then recommend the composition of the seasonal flu vaccine.
For the 2025–2026 flu season, the vaccine has been designed to protect against the three primary strains expected to circulate, including H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B viruses. The vaccine you receive at Healthy Connections is built to provide broad protection against the flu strains most likely to affect our communities.
Flu Vaccine Safety: What You Should Know
Flu vaccines are safe and widely studied. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or a low-grade fever. These symptoms are short-lived and far less serious than the flu itself.
Myth-busting moment:
- “Can the flu shot give me the flu?” — No. The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus or no virus at all, so it cannot cause the flu.
- “I got the flu last year even after a shot — so why bother?” — Even if you still get sick, your illness is usually milder and less likely to lead to hospitalization.
Convenient Care at Healthy Connections
At Healthy Connections, getting your flu shot is simple and convenient. We offer appointments at times that work for you — mornings, evenings, and walk-in options available. Unlike retail pharmacies, when you choose Healthy Connections, you’re not just getting a shot. You’re getting care from a provider who knows your health history, understands your needs, and can answer your questions on the spot.
- Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover the flu shot at no cost to you.
- If your plan doesn’t cover it — or if you don’t have insurance — the flu vaccine is available for just $40. (We keep this affordable because protecting our communities is our mission.)
Why Choose Healthy Connections for Your Flu Shot?
You have options for flu shots, but there are clear reasons to trust Healthy Connections:
- Community-based care: We’ve been serving Arkansas patients for more than 25 years.
- Comprehensive services: Unlike walk-in retail clinics, we provide full medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare.
- Expert providers: Our team is trained to answer your questions and help you make informed choices about your health.
- Compassionate care: We live by our three pillars — Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
When you come to us for your flu shot, you’re not just getting vaccinated — you’re stepping into the ring with a trusted healthcare partner in your corner.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu Vaccine
When should I get my flu shot?
Early fall is best. The CDC recommends vaccination by the end of October, but getting vaccinated later can still provide protection.
Does Medicare cover flu shots?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each flu season at no cost.
Do children need a flu vaccine?
Yes. Everyone six months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year, unless there is a rare medical exception.
Where can I get my flu shot?
At any Healthy Connections clinic location across Western and Central Arkansas. Visit healthy-connections.org/locations to find the one nearest you.
Take Action Today
Flu season is unpredictable, but your protection doesn’t have to be. Fight back against the flu — schedule your flu shot now and give yourself the best chance of staying healthy this season. Call 888-710-8220 or visit healthy-connections.org/locations to make your appointment or find a clinic near you.
Don’t wait until flu season peaks — protect yourself, protect your loved ones, and protect your community. It’s time to fight back.
