Who: Knox County Health Department (KCHD)
What: Community Flu Vaccination Clinic
When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: South-Doyle High School, 2020 Tipton Station Road
To offer more opportunities for the public to get a flu vaccination, KCHD is holding two Saturday vaccination clinics this month, the first of which is this weekend. Influenza vaccinations will be available to all community members and children over 6 months of age. To receive a flu shot, the public should bring their insurance information to the clinic. Billing insurance helps KCHD fund the vaccine. While insurance will be filed, no individual will be charged for a flu shot. Vaccinations will also be available to those without insurance. No appointment is needed for the Saturday clinics.
Flu vaccinations are also available by appointment at all three of KCHD’s locations in north, west and downtown Knoxville during regular office hours. To schedule an appointment, the public should call 865-215-5070. KCHD is also holding a special flu vaccination clinic today from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at its main location, 140 Dameron Ave. And, KCHD will extend hours at its West Clinic, 1028 Old Cedar Bluff Drive, on Oct. 25, giving flu shots from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To receive a flu shot, the public should bring their insurance information to all KCHD flu clinics. Vaccinations will also be available to those without insurance. Appointments are not necessary at today’s special clinic or on Oct. 25 at the West Clinic.
KCHD urges parents to have their children vaccinated, especially younger children. Annual vaccination not only protects the child, but it also prevents him or her from spreading the flu to others. In fact, evidence supports vaccinating children as a way to protect an entire community from influenza as children are known to be the major transmitter of flu to others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into January and beyond. Annual vaccination is especially important for those in high risk groups, such as pregnant women, adults over 65, young children and those with chronic conditions.
