NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans over
the age of 6 months to receive this year’s flu vaccine. Vaccinations for flu will be free on Wed.,
Nov. 9, 2022, at all local health departments in the state for Fight Flu ’22.
‘’Getting a flu shot is the most important thing we can all do to help prevent the flu and keep
ourselves, loved ones and everyone around us healthy,’’ said TDH Commissioner Morgan
McDonald, MD FACP FAAP. ‘’We know flu vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against the
most common types of flu circulating, so I urge everyone eligible to receive a flu shot to do so.’’
No appointments are needed to receive a free flu vaccine during Fight Flu ‘22. Find the
site closest to you and the hours of operation at www.tn.gov/health/fightflu and select the
Find a Flu Shot Near You icon. The flu vaccine will continue to be free at Tennessee’s county
health departments after the Fight Flu ’22 kick-off event on Nov. 9.
The flu virus is highly contagious and pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with
certain medical conditions are at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu. The CDC
estimates up to 7.5 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths could be
prevented every year if more people chose to get the flu vaccine.
To prevent the spread of the flu virus to others, follow precautions such as proper hygiene and
handwashing, cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and stay at home if
you are sick.
Fight Flu ‘22 also serves as a statewide preparedness and response exercise where TDH’s local
public health teams practice their emergency plans to vaccinate communities during a
pandemic. This is the fifth consecutive year for the Fight Flu TN event as TDH works to protect
as many Tennesseans as possible against influenza.