Free flu shots at Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department

Chattanooga Hamilton County Health Department RN Brad Erwin fills a syringe with flu vaccine in the agency's immunization and travel clinic in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Hamilton County Health Department RN Brad Erwin fills a syringe with flu vaccine in the agency's immunization and travel clinic in Chattanooga

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department is offering free flu vaccine to county residents.

"Vaccination remains the best way to prevent illness," said Connie Buecker, communicable disease program manager at the department. "While this year's vaccine may not be as effective against the drifted H3N2 virus, it's still a good match for other circulating strains. Vaccine can still protect you by preventing complications and lessening the length and severity of illness."

Residents can choose between injectable (shot) or nasal mist (FluMist) vaccine.

FluMist is an alternative to the flu shot, and may be given to healthy, nonpregnant, people ages 2-49 years old. This year, for the first time, the CDC is recommending FluMist for children ages 2-8 years as a preference for better immunity, but if it is not available, the injectable should be given.

High-dose flu vaccine for people 65 years and older is also available for $55 and can be billed to Medicare for those covered.

To ensure vaccine availability, residents should call their preferred clinic between 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Health department locations are:

* Third Street Clinic, 921 E. Third St., Chattanooga, 209-8050

* Ooltewah Health Center, 5520 High St., Ooltewah, 238-4269

* Sequoyah Health Center, 9527 W. Ridge Trail Road, Soddy-Daisy, 842-3031

* Birchwood Health Center, 5625 Highway 60, Birchwood, 961-0446

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