There is increased demand for the influenza vaccine this year, according to the Hamilton County Health Department, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases vigilance around social distancing and the spread of diseases.
As of Monday, the health department had given 984 doses of the flu vaccine out to the public. Becky Barnes, administrator for the department, said her organization is able to meet the local demand, though supplies are limited. The department is expecting more from the state soon, she said.
The health department is offering free vaccines as part of its drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Alstom site. Barnes said it is difficult to compare the current year to previous ones since the vaccine has been free since the start of the season and people can access it at the drive-through site.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported spread of the seasonal flu has been low through the first week of October. The CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months receive the vaccine before the end of the month.
Tennessee ranked as the fifth-deadliest state in 2018 for flu and pneumonia with 21 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Nationwide, the CDC estimates 35.5 million people were sick with influenza in the 2018-2019 season, with more than 490,000 hospitalizations and more than 34,000 deaths from the disease.
Barnes said the additional risks of COVID-19 make getting the flu vaccine even more important than in previous years.
“This flu season is going to be more challenging than ever due to the added risk of COVID-19 in the community,” she said in a statement. “Not only is the flu vaccine one of your best protections against the flu, but the steps we are already taking to prevent COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, and staying home if you’re sick, will also help prevent catching or spreading the flu.”
Flu vaccines for adults are available at the Alstom site on Riverfront Parkway on Wednesday from 1:30 to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
Vaccines for children between the ages of 6 months and 17 years are available by appointment only at the health department locations at 921 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga (call 423-209-8050 for an appointment) and at 9527 W. Ridge Trail Road, Soddy-Daisy (call 423-209-5490 for an appointment).
Contact Wyatt Massey at wmassey@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249. Follow him on Twitter @news4mass.