Tennova Healthcare LaFollette offers free flu shots at drive thru event

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Tennova Healthcare – LaFollette is hosting a free drive-thru flu vaccination event on a first-come, first-served basis to the Campbell County community on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 1:00pm to 3:00p.m. at the hospital’s main entrance, located at 923 East Central Avenue in LaFollette.

This event offers flu shots to individuals ages 3 and older. Pregnant women must have a note from their physician to receive the vaccine. All individuals are recommended to wear a face covering.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older.  Pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions are at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu. Typical flu symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, and body aches, and they will recover on their own after about a week. If you suspect you or someone in your family has the flu, call your health care provider for advice.

While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, Tennova Healthcare advises people to get vaccinated now so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community. LaFollette Medical Center’s free flu shot clinic is being offered in coordination with the Campbell County Board of Education, thanks to a generous grant from the LaFollette Medical Foundation. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/29/2022-5PM)