We strongly encourage getting the flu vaccination. Getting the flu vaccine each year helps keep families healthy, keeps children in school and reduces the spread of the flu. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions about the flu vaccine, you may contact your doctor’s office, call us at 865-215-5150 or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu vaccines will also be offered at KCHD's Main and West clinic locations. Individuals may call the Main clinic located at 140 Dameron Ave. at 865-215-5070 or the West clinic located at 1028 Old Cedar Bluff Road. at 865-215-5950 to schedule an appointment.
Per the CDC, children under the age of 9 who have not had at least 2 flu vaccinations in their lifetime, should have 2 doses separated by at least 28 days to be fully protected. If you are unsure if your child needs a second dose, contact your pediatrician or Knox County Health Department Immunization Program at 865-215-5150.
Vaccine Record
To get your child’s flu vaccination record for yourself or your pediatrician’s office, click here (en español presione aquíy) to download the medical records request form or call 865-215-5024.
For more information
- Have more general questions about the flu vaccine? Click here.
- CDC’s Weekly National Flu Influenza Vaccination Dashboard: The resource provides the latest estimates on in-season #fluvaccine coverage.
- Read the Influenza (flu) Vaccine Information Statement
If you have more questions about influenza vaccination, contact your school nurse, call your doctor’s office, or go to www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone over 6 months of age, but it’s particularly important for those in high risk groups, such as pregnant women, adults over 65, young children and those with chronic conditions. Getting a flu vaccine helps protect not only yourself, but also those around you because it decreases the risk of you spreading the illness to others.
In-school Flu Vaccination Program
Due to the pandemic, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will not be conducting in-school flu vaccination clinics at any Knox County schools this year. Instead, KCHD will hold public flu vaccination clinics at several different locations. 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.
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 have no copay. Flu vaccinations will be offered to children ages six months and up. High-dose flu vaccine will not be available at these clinics, but is available at other providers in town.
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.
Porcine Notice: The FluMist vaccine contains a small amount of porcine (pork) gelatin, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and medically-safe ingredient used in some vaccines. This ingredient may be of concern to some parents or guardians for religious reasons or because of dietary restrictions (i.e., vegetarians). We want parents and guardians to be aware of this component to be able to make an informed decision regarding their child’s health care.
Please note that the flu shot does not contain any porcine products. If you would rather your child have a flu shot, you may bring them to any of our three locations.
The Knox County Health Department understands that porcine gelatin has been certified as "acceptable" by many multi-faith groups. Here are some resources for further review if this ingredient is of concern to you:
