The Arkansas Department of Health will host free community flu vaccine clinics across the state beginning Monday. 

No appointment is needed and vaccines will be provided at no charge, according to a press release from the department. Arkansans should bring their insurance cards to the clinic. If you don’t have insurance or your policy does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, according to the health department. If you get the flu after being vaccinated, the vaccine can help reduce how sick you get. There were 91 flu-related deaths reported during the 2025-2026 influenza season. 

“Getting your flu vaccine is a simple step you can take to protect yourself and the people around you,” said Dr. Sarah Labuda, ADH Medical Director for Immunizations. “By offering vaccines at community clinics across the state, we try to make it as easy as possible for Arkansans to get vaccinated and stay healthy this flu season.”

The flu is caused by a virus that spreads easily when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks, according to the health department. Most people start feeling sick about two days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, tiredness and headaches.

Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to receive an annual flu vaccine, according to the health department. Vaccination is particularly important for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, younger children and people with long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems.  

A schedule for flu clinics in all 75 counties is available on the health department’s website. 

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX.