Seasonal Flu Announcement
October 16, 2009
Metro Public Health Department Exhausts Supply of Adult Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Pediatric Doses Available
Health Department Expects 1,620 Additional Adult Doses
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 16, 2009 — The Metro Public Health Department opened today with no seasonal flu vaccine for adults at the Lentz Health Center and only a handful of flu shots for adults at its East Health Center and Woodbine Health Center.
Health Department officials expect 1,620 additional doses of the vaccine but have not been notified when those will be delivered. The Health Department has an adequate supply of seasonal flu vaccine for children from the Federal Vaccines for Children program.
“Seasonal flu typically begins in late December in middle Tennessee so there will be time for us to get additional doses into the arms of those seeking the best protection against flu,” said Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health of Nashville/Davidson County.
The Health Department began offering seasonal flu shots the third week in September, one month earlier than in previous years. Since then, Health officials say they have provided nearly 12,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine. The early start was part of a plan to begin offering the H1N1 flu vaccine in October.
Look for updates on the Health Department’s seasonal flu telephone information line 340-2100, and on our website www.health.nashville.gov. The Health Department offers seasonal flu shots each year for a $20 fee (Medicare Part B and TennCare accepted).
H1N1 FluMist nasal spray vaccine continues to be offered free at the Lentz Health Center, from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday—Friday. The H1N1 nasal spray is for those ages 2 –49, without underlying health conditions, and not pregnant.