NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Getting sick when you have busy holiday plans is just the worst. Right now, flu cases are on the rise, but medical experts say there's still time to get vaccinated before Christmas.
While the CDC recommends that people get a flu shot by the end of October, getting one after that is still beneficial and will give you some protection.
Right now in Tennessee, 5% of all outpatient visits are currently for influenza-like illnesses.
The timing couldn't be worse, since families spend a lot of time together at the end of December.
Neighborhood Health, a non-profit network of health centers in Middle Tennessee, is vaccinating patients for free.
"We make the flu shot available for everyone," said Brain Haile, CEO of Neighborhood Health. "Sometimes the pharmacies say 'it's only for privately insured patients.' We don't believe that at all. We think everyone deserves protection, and we want every family taken care of."
Even babies are eligible for the flu shot if they're older than 6 months old. Small children and seniors are more likely to get very sick from the flu.
"If you get vaccinated now — you get your flu shot today — you can really cut down on the chance you find yourself in the ER, or worse as we look at 2024," Haile said.
Anyone can make an appointment at one of Neighborhood Health's 11 clinics by calling 615-227-3000.
In Tennessee, the highest number of flu cases are in Memphis, followed by Jackson and then Chattanooga. Louisiana and South Carolina have the highest flu case counts in the country.
I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp
