The Tennessee Department of Health has been notified of eight pediatric deaths and one pregnancy-related death associated with seasonal flu during the 2017-2018 flu season. Officials said, "We continue to send our deepest condolences to the families who have lost a loved one due to influenza."
Free flu vaccine is still available at all TDH public health clinics, and all Tennesseans are urged to get vaccinated.
The vaccine offers the best protection from the flu and reduces severe outcomes should an individual become ill with the flu. Additionally, officials urge everyone to stay home when sick, wash hands frequently and cough into a sleeve to prevent the spread of flu.
All Tennessee county health departments are holding Flu Shot Friday clinics on Friday, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. This includes all rural county health departments and health department clinics in Chattanooga-Hamilton County, Jackson-Madison County, Knoxville-Knox County, Nashville-Davidson County, Shelby County and Sullivan County.
No appointments are needed to receive a flu shot during this event. Find a map of local health department locations and contact information online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/localdepartments.html. For more information please see the attached news release on “Flu Shot Friday”.