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.
Rhori recommends:
“Here’s another example of a small non-profit doing so much good in our community! Forrest Sanders highlights the group Friends Life Community, which provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to express themselves through art. In this case, original stage performances! Registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards guides the performers, including Mary Margaret, as they express themselves through written words and dance movements. The original show is touring and have a date set this September at TPAC!”
-Rhori Johnston
