With Tennessee's death toll from the 2013-2014 flu season increasing, Knox County is responding by offering free vaccinations beginning Monday at two of its clinics. Starting 8:00 am, Knox County residents can receive a free vaccination at the main Health Department office on Cameron Avenue or at the West Clinic on Old Cedar Bluff Road. The vaccine will be offered until supplies run out.
The state Department of Health reports 11 people from Tennessee have already died from the flu this season. During a typical year, the flu kills 2-3 Tennesseans. Most of this year's fatalities have come from Nashville and the surrounding counties.
The primary strain is the H1N1 virus, the same virus responsible for a flu pandemic during the 2009-2010 flu season.