KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knox County Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated against the flu this flu season.
About 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from the flu each season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
KCHD is currently offering the flu shot, flu mist and high-dose flu vaccine at its Main and West locations. You can make an appointment by calling 865-215-5000.
KCHD will vaccinate insured and uninsured adults and children against the flu at no cost. However, insurance information will be requested if available.
"Well, we want to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to get the vaccine," said Dena Mashburn, the director of nursing for the Knox County Health Department.
The CDC says flu numbers are coming in at a record high. The positivity rate nationally is over 4 percent.
Mashburn believes the flu vaccine is beneficial for the holiday season as people tend to gather in large groups.
"It's those multi-generational gatherings that we have at the holidays. Getting the vaccine also doesn't just protect you, it protects those around you," said Mashburn.
Flu shots will also be available at several community clinics during the Tennessee Department of Health's Fight Flu TN Day.
The clinics will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The first clinic will happen at the KAT Transit Station at 301 E. Church Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second clinic will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex at 1740 Texas Avenue.
High-dose flu vaccines will not be available at the two community clinics.