The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) is rolling out free flu shots on October 15, as the city gears up to join forces with the Tennessee Department of Health's annual Fight Flu TN campaign. The no-cost vaccines are scheduled to be available at a mix of drive-thru and walk-in locations: Lentz Public Health Center, East Public Health Center, Madison Community Center, Lipscomb University, and Plaza Mariachi, according to the MPHD.
"We are excited about once again offering flu vaccines to the community free of change," said Interim Director of Health Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai. The drive-thru service at Lentz is open from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., while the walk-ins receive a similarly convenient treatment during the same hours at the East Center and Madison, but if you're planning to swing by Plaza Mariachi or Lipscomb's Burton Health Science Building, note the alteration in timing – it's 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and noon to 6:00 P.M., respectively.
With eligibility starting at six months old, the shots are catered to all ages, and for those with specific health considerations such as the elderly or people with underlying conditions, a high-dose flu vaccine is on the list inside MPHD clinics and at temporary clinical spots set up for this very purpose. In preparation for this service, nurses administering shots require upper arm access so come prepared with clothing that obliges: short sleeves or something versatile enough to be rolled up, as indicated on the MPHD website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends inoculation for everyone aged six months and older – particularly for those with certain health risks, as they note that 9 out of 10 hospitalization cases in recent years involved patients with at least one underlying health issue. The flu vaccine is tweaked annually to provide a shield against three dominant flu strains, ensuring a broad spectrum of protection. Notably, while the flu shot stations won't have COVID-19 vaccines on tap, those requiring the latter can find a handy locator tool at vaccines.gov, and it’s safe to double up, getting both vaccinations simultaneously per CDC guidance.
