Metro Public Health Department to offer free flu shots to public at Fight Flu Day events

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) will be offering free flu shots to the community at two separate locations on Tuesday, October 20th for the annual Fight Flu Day event. No appointments are needed at either location, and no insurance or health coverage is needed. All people six months and older are recommended to consider getting a flu shot.

"Right now, flu activity is fairly low in our community, but it is only a matter of time before it starts circulating again," said Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Health at the Metro Public Health Department. "Getting your flu shot now, before the flu is widely circulating is a great way to help protect yourself and your family."

Flu shots will be available at the Lentz Public Health Center from 7:30am to 6pm and at the Goodlettsville branch of the Nashville Public Library from noon to 6pm. Those receiving a flu shot at the Lentz Public Health Center can either drive up or walk up. The flu vaccine site at the Goodlettsville branch of the Nashville Public Library will be walk-up only. Those receiving a flu shot are asked to wear clothing that allows easy access to the top of the shoulder. Good hydration is also recommended for those receiving a flu shot. In 2025, MPHD administered 621 flu vaccines at three separate sites during the Fight Flu Day event.

Fight Flu Day follows MPHD's flu shot clinic held at the Historic Courthouse and City Hall on Tuesday, October 6th. 81 flu vaccines were administered ahead of the Metro Council meeting. Those who missed the event at the Historic Courthouse and will not be able to access Fight Flu Day can receive a flu shot at one of MPHD's three preventive health clinics. Flu vaccines are available by appointment Monday through Friday at the East, Woodbine and Lentz Public Health Centers. Appointments can be made by phone at the following clinics:

East Nashville Public Health Center, 1015 East Trinity Lane, (615) 862-7916

Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Avenue, (615) 340-5607

Woodbine Public Health Center, 224 Oriel Avenue, (615) 862-7940

Flu shots are also available at MPHD's Mobile Outreach Clinical Services unit, in addition to other services. A full schedule of events and a list of events can be found at Nashville.gov/mobileservices.

This year's flu shot is formulated to protect against three separate flu strains. Those who are at high risk of severe illness from influenza are especially encouraged to receive a flu shot. TennCare and Medicare Part B insurance are accepted and fully cover the fee for a flu shot at MPHD. The fee for flu vaccine for adults is $40, and a sliding scale is available for those who qualify. For those in need of the high-dose flu vaccine, the cost is $85, with a sliding scale available. After October 20th, flu shots will be available free of charge in MPHD clinics throughout the rest of flu season.