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Each year during the fall the CDC and other world health organizations recommend protecting yourself from the flu with the an annual flu shot. Remote Area Medical (RAM®) is offering flu shots at our drive through clinics.
Flu Shot FAQs:
Upcoming flu shot clinics
RAM is hosting three drive through flu shot clinics. These clinics are first come, first served. No ID and no insurance required.
- October 23, 2024
- Noon – 3 P.M.
- 2200 Stock Creek Blvd., Rockford, TN 37853
- October 29, 2024
- 3 P.M. – 6 P.M.
- 6909 Ward Road, Knoxville 37918
- Central United Methodist Church (Hosted by Centro Hispano)
- November 13, 2024
- 4 P.M. – 7 P.M.
- 201 3rd Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917
Can’t make it to any of those clinics? Click here to find pharmacies across the U.S. offering flu shots.
Flu shot eligibility
All individuals 6 months or older should get the flu vaccine annually to protect themselves and others from getting the flu, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Exceptions to this recommendation are rare, if you are concerned, speak with your doctor.
When should you get the vaccine?
It is recommended that everyone get the vaccine every year in the fall. Typically, only one dose of the vaccine is needed annually for adults. Children aged 6 months to 8 years may require 2 doses, consult the child’s doctor to confirm [CDC].
Antibodies from the flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to develop, so it is important to get vaccinated before flu season begins [CDC].
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Benefits of the flu shot
Reduce the risk of sickness with the annual flu shot. The flu is a virus that affects the respiratory system. Because the virus changes frequently, it is important to annually receive a flu shot to stay protected against this year’s virus. [Mayo Clinic]
With less time being out sick, you are less likely to miss days of work, school, family events, and other engagements.
“. . . [The] flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%,” said the CDC recently. Getting a free flu vaccine may prevent expensive doctor visits in the future.
Beyond getting the vaccine, how can you better protect yourself from getting the flu? According to the Mayo Clinic:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to keep away germs.
- Try to cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, afterwards wash your hands.
- Prevent the spread of germs by cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Avoid crowds to lower the risk of getting the flu from someone else.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
In the U.S. the flu season runs from October to May. Consider the flu shot to prevent sickness for yourself and others.
For more information about the flu shot reference the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics or speak with your doctor.
