City of Nashville, TN

09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 09:29

Metro Public Health Department to Offer Free Flu Shots Ahead of October 1 Metro Council Meeting

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) will hold a pop-up flu shot clinic ahead of the Tuesday, October 1 Metro Council meeting, kicking off the 2024 #FightFluNashville Campaign. Flu shots will be available on the second-floor mezzanine at the Historic Courthouse and City Hall from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No appointments, insurance or other coverage are needed. Everyone six months of age and older is welcome to receive a free flu shot at the pop-up clinic.

"Protecting yourself and others from the flu this season is very important, and getting your flu vaccine is a great way to start," said Dr. Joanna Shaw-KaiKai, Interim MPHD Director of Health. "With so many events planned for the next few months, missing out and potentially getting very sick can be preventable with a flu shot."

MPHD offered flu shots ahead of the Metro Council meeting on October 17, 2023, at the invitation of Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, administering more than 60 flu shots to council members, Metro employees, and meeting attendees.

"I am glad Metro Health will be back with us again this year. It is important for elected officials to lead by example when it comes to public health," said the Vice Mayor. "We can help #FightFlu by sharing vaccination information and opportunities."

MPHD's annual #FightFluNashville Day is scheduled for October 15. Five separate sites across the city will be offering drive-thru or walk-up flu shot availability free of charge. The Lentz Public Health Center will serve as a drive-thru clinic, offering flu shots between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the parking lot at 2500 Charlotte Avenue. After October 15, flu shots will be available free of charge in MPHD clinics throughout the rest of flu season.

Flu shots are currently available in MPHD's three preventive health clinics. Appointments will be available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins will not be accepted after 2:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by phone at the following clinics:

East Nashville Public Health Center, 1015 East Trinity Lane, 615-862-7916

Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Avenue, 615-340-5607

Woodbine Public Health Center, 224 Oriel Avenue, 615-862-7940

TennCare and Medicare Part B insurance are accepted and fully cover the fee. If this is the way you will be accessing your flu shot, remember to bring your Medicare Part B insurance card. The fee for flu vaccine for adults with private insurance is $40, and a sliding scale is available for those who qualify. For those in need of the high-dose flu vaccine, the cost is $85, with a sliding scale available.

Public Health officials urge everyone six months of age and older to consider receiving a flu shot this year. Those who are at high risk for a severe illness from influenza are especially encouraged to receive a flu shot. This year's flu shot is formulated to protect against three separate flu strains.