Due to the impact of the pandemic, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will not be able to conduct individual flu vaccination clinics at each of our Knox County public pre-schools, elementary and middle schools this year. Instead, KCHD will hold public flu vaccination clinics at several locations in Knox County. These clinics are geared towards making the flu vaccine available to anyone in the community, with a special emphasis on school-aged children and their families.
“Getting a flu vaccine is always important, but especially during the time of a global pandemic,” said KCHD Senior Director and Public Health Officer Dr. Martha Buchanan. “While the pandemic has forced us to explore different ways of conducting our services, offering flu vaccine to our community, especially our children, is still a main priority.”
KCHD will have both FluMist and flu shots available at each of the clinic locations. Vaccine will be available for those who are insured and uninsured, and all vaccinations will be free. Flu vaccinations will be offered to children ages six months and up. High-dose flu vaccine, which is sometimes preferred by those over 65, will not be available at these clinics, but is available at other providers in town.
The first five public flu vaccination opportunities are as follows. Additional dates will be released in the upcoming weeks:
Date: | Time: | Location: |
Thursday, October 1 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Karns Senior Center
8042 Oak Ridge Hwy |
Tuesday, October 6 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Jacob Building
3301 E. Magnolia Avenue |
Thursday, October 8 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex
1740 Texas Ave. |
Monday, October 12 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Dogwood Elementary School
705 Tipton Ave. |
Tuesday, October 13 | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Christenberry Elementary School
927 Oglewood Ave. |
The clinics are walk-in only and all COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken. Individuals are asked to please wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
Once the supply arrives, flu vaccines will also be offered at KCHD’s main location (140 Dameron Avenue) and West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff Rd). For adult flu vaccines, individuals may call the main location at 865-215-5070 or the West Clinic at 865-215-5950 to schedule an appointment.
For pediatric flu vaccines, individuals may call the West Clinic at the number listed above to schedule an appointment.