Knox County Health Department (KCHD) will offer influenza vaccinations through its vaccination partner, VaxCare Corporation, in the Community Room at its Dameron Avenue facility beginning Monday, Sept.13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vaccine cost will be $20 for the flu shot and $25 for the intranasal mist. The "fast track" model is designed to quickly accommodate those wanting only a flu vaccine (other KCHD clients may request the flu shot at their regular clinic appointment). Payment can be made in the form of cash or check. Some insurance carriers can be billed. Parking is free and convenient. The Community Room can be accessed directly from outside without having to enter the main lobby.

KCHD officials plan to operate the flu clinic until Friday, Nov. 12. Clinic dates and times may be adjusted, depending on demand. VaxCare Corporation is a preventative healthcare services provider, specializing in immunization services to employers, physicians and health departments across the United States.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.