Seasonal flu shots available by end of September

Vaccines available by end of month September 12, 2009 Flu shots will be available from the Metro Health Department almost a month early, starting Sept. 21. But these shots will not protect someone from the H1N1 or swine flu virus. The Metro Public Health Department typically begins offering seasonal flu shots the last week in October. This year, the department said Thursday, it plans to begin offering seasonal flu shots about one month early. The department is expecting to have vaccine for the H1N1 flu strain as early as October. National recommendations for who should get seasonal flu shots include those who are 65 and older and those who have a chronic disease. A fast-track clinic for seasonal flu shots will be set up Sept. 21-25 at the Lentz Public Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. N. Beginning Sept. 28, flu shots will be available at Lentz, at the Woodbine clinic, 224 Oriel Ave., and at the East clinic, 1015 E. Trinity Lane. Shots will be $20, and the Health Department will accept Medicare Plan B and TennCare. Seasonal flu shots also are being offered in Nashville at doctor's offices, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, groceries and other locations. There is no shortage or delay in receiving this year's seasonal flu vaccine. The Health Department will offer H1N1 shots free when the vaccine is available. The Health Department has a recorded community information telephone line, 615-340-7775, with the latest information about seasonal and H1N1 flu. — TENNESSEAN STAFF REPORTS