Nashville flu shots now free at Metro health clinics

Updated Oct. 23: Flu shots are now free at all Metro Public Health Department clinics for the rest of flu season. The department gave 640 shots on Fight Flu Day, Tuesday, Oct. 20, at two sites, including 81 high-dose shots. That compares with 621 shots at three sites in 2025, the department said in a release on Oct. 21. Book by phone at the clinics in the table below.

Anyone 6 months or older could get a free flu shot from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Historic Courthouse and City Hall, before that evening’s Metro Council meeting.

The Metro Public Health Department and the Metro Council Office ran the pop-up clinic for the fourth year. The health department announced it in a release on Sept. 29.

The Oct. 6 clinic

• When: 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. The council meets at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: the second-floor mezzanine of the Historic Courthouse and City Hall.
• Who: anyone 6 months or older.
• Cost: free. No appointment and no insurance needed.

This season’s vaccine protects against three flu strains, the department said. Last year’s clinic, before the Oct. 9, 2025, council meeting, gave 68 shots.

“Every year the flu makes its presence known, and we know getting your flu shot is a great way to mitigate its effects,” said Sanmi Areola, the department’s director of health.

Vice Mayor Angie Henderson said she hoped people who live and work downtown would come and “cross this important task off their list before cold weather sets in.”

What it means for you

The Oct. 6 clinic and Fight Flu Day are over. Two routes remain:

• Free in health department clinics for the rest of the flu season, by appointment Monday through Friday at the three public health centers below. Regular and high-dose shots are available at all three.
• The Mobile Outreach Clinical Services unit also gives flu shots. Its schedule is at Nashville.gov/mobileservices.

The council’s full Oct. 6 agenda is on the Metro Council meeting calendar.