The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) is offering free flu vaccinations, no charge, during a special statewide “FightFluTN” vaccination event. Nov.19th, according to Joan Carr, public information officer for the SCHD.
The influenza vaccine will be offered at no charge at all Shelby County Public Health Clinics between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. Below is the list of clinics offering the free vaccines:
Cawthon Public Health Clinic 1000 Haynes, 38114
Collierville Public Health Clinic 167 Washington St., 38017
Hickory Hill Public Health Clinic 6590 Kirby Center Cove, 38118
Millington Public Health Clinic 8225 Highway 51 N., 38053
Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic 6170 Macon Road, 38133
Southland Mall Public Health Clinic 1287 Southland Mall, 38116
Immunization Clinic 814 Jefferson, Rm. 216, 38105
The free vaccine will also be offered at a special after-hours clinic on November 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Direction Christian Church at 6120 Winchester Road.
“Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and others from the flu, which can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death,” said Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter. “We urge everyone in Shelby County who has not yet received a flu shot to get one now, before the busy holiday season.
Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone six months and older, and is especially recommended for the following individuals:
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with chronic medical conditions, including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who care for those at high risk for complications from influenza, including: o Health care workers;
o Household contact of persons at high risk for complications from influenza; o Household contacts and caregivers of children less than six months of age.
The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus, so it cannot cause flu illness. Side effects from the vaccination are usually short-term and mild, and may include soreness at the injection site, low grade fever, and body aches
In addition to the flu vaccine, the Shelby County Health Department recommends to following measures to slow the spread of flu virus in our community:
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home.
Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using the tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
For more information about influenza in Shelby County, visit www.shelbytnhealth.com.
