Flu Information Line Concludes Operations

H1N1 Flu Vaccinations On-going

NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Department of Health's Flu Information Line has concluded operations. Members of the public who have flu-related questions are now encouraged to contact their county health department or health care provider. A complete listing of the county health departments is available on the department Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm.

Launched in fall 2009, the toll-free phone hotline provided information to Tennessee residents related to H1N1 and seasonal flu as well as general information, like vaccine availability and clinic locations. Though the hotline service has ended, the state Department of Health continues its efforts to protect Tennesseans from the flu and stresses the importance of vaccination to prevent the flu for those eligible to receive the vaccine.

"We are still seeing flu activity in Tennessee, but like other states, the number of cases has dramatically decreased in the last few weeks, as have calls to the Flu Information Line," said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, MD, with the Tennessee Department of Health. "Even though it seems the threat has lessened, there is still the possibility of a third wave of cases associated with the H1N1 flu pandemic. As a result, I still recommend getting both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine to be fully protected during the flu season."

H1N1 flu vaccine is still being offered free of charge at county health department clinics across the state. Additionally, retail locations are offering the vaccine for a fee. Visit the department's Flu Shot Locator at http://health.state.tn.us/fluclinic/default.aspx to find a location near you.

For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Health Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/index.htm.