SHELBY COUNTY, Tennessee — The flu vaccine is now available at the Shelby County Health Department Immunization Clinic at 814 Jefferson as well as three public health clinics located around Shelby County. The vaccine is available on a sliding fee scale based on income—many pay no upfront cost. TennCare and other health insurance also cover the flu vaccine.
- Vaccination against the influenza virus is recommended for anyone over the age of six months. Everyone is at risk, especially during influenza season, which usually runs from October to March each year.
- Certain groups of people are especially vulnerable to influenza and are strongly advised to get the vaccine:
- Children younger than 5 years of age –especially those younger than 2 years old– are at high risk of serious flu-related complications. The flu vaccine can protect them from the flu virus and prevent them from spreading it to others.
- Women who are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the flu season are at increased risk of flu complications and should get the vaccine.
- Caregivers of children age 5 and younger and household contacts and caregivers of adults with medical conditions that put them at increased risk.
- The flu vaccine is especially recommended for people with certain health conditions including:
- Chronic lung diseases, including asthma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression due to medication or illness
- Obesity
- Getting a flu shot also helps protect those in our community who can’t get the vaccination, such as babies under 6 months of age and people with a severe allergy to the vaccine.
Flu vaccines are available without an appointment at the following locations, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
Cawthon Public Health Clinic: 1000 Haynes, 38114
Immunization Clinic: 814 Jefferson, 38105 (open each second and fourth Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., including Saturday, September 23, 2023)
Millington Public Health Clinic: 8225 Highway 51 North, 38053
Sycamore View Public Health Clinic: 1826 Sycamore View Road, 38134
For more information about influenza and the flu vaccine, click here.