Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Despite rain and tornado warnings in several areas today, more than 27,000 people received flu shots and more than 4,000 received doses of the swine flu vaccine by mid-afternoon at mass clinics statewide, state health officials said.

The demand was so high in some areas that clinics ran out of vaccine, said Ann Wright, director of communications for the state Department of Health.

Thirty-eight mass clinics were held across the state today. Another 53 are scheduled for Friday and one is scheduled for Saturday.

Wright said clinics in Ashley, Craighead, Independence, Lawrence and Woodruff ran out of the vaccine, and a mass clinic in Calhoun County lost power for a time during a severe storm and tornado warning.

“In spite of all the weather, it’s been incredible,” Wright said.
The National Weather Service said flash flooding was likely over much of the state today and Friday and that 5 to 7 inches of rain is possible in central and southern Arkansas through Friday evening.

Wright also said today that 45,198 flu vaccinations and 33,085 swine flu doses had been given at schools across Arkansas since Oct. 14.