This story will be continually updated as events are announced.
Flu season begins next month and places across North Texas have already ramped up to give out flu vaccines.
Health officials in Texas are urging people to get flu shots this year so hospitals aren’t overwhelmed with two epidemics at once.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the state is working with medical experts, state legislators and heads of state agencies to develop proactive strategies that will reduce the spread of the flu in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It is vital that every Texan continues to wear a mask, practices social distancing, avoids group gatherings, and frequently sanitizes their hands," Abbott said. "These best practices will aid in our efforts to reduce the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu."
Influenza and COVID-19 have a number of shared symptoms: body aches, sore throat, fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and headaches.
One difference is that people with the flu typically feel sickest during the first week of illness. With COVID-19, people may feel the worst during the second or third week and may be sicker for a longer period. A person with COVID-19 may also lose their sense of taste or smell.
If you believe you may either have the flu or COVID-19, speak with your doctor first to see which test you should undergo.
The Center for Disease Control recommends people get their flu shot before Oct. 31. The flu vaccine keeps a person immune for about nine to 10 months, said Dr. David Winter with Baylor Scott & White.
Texas Health and Human Services shared a flu vaccine finder on their website. Go here to search.
Here's where flu shots are available:
Parkland Health hosts drive-thru flu vaccine event in Dallas - Sunday, Oct. 25
Parkland Health & Hospital System is hosting a drive-thru flu shot clinic from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at W.W. Samuell High School, 8928 Pallisade Drive, Dallas, 75217.
Drive-thru shots are also available Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 South Polk St., Dallas, 75232 and at the Eastfield College Campus COVID-19 test site at 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite 75150.
Parkland also offers walk-in flu shots available every Wednesday at all Parkland community clinics. No appointment is necessary but is encouraged. Masks are required.
Clinics:
- Bluitt-Flowers: 303 E. Overton, 214-266-4200
- Hatcher Station: 4600 Scyene, 214-266-1000
- Oak West: 4201 Brook Spring, 214-266-1450
- Southeast: 9202 Elam Road, 214-266-1600
Drive-thru flu clinic for Fort Worth ISD students on Oct. 31
Fort Worth ISD students can receive a free flu shot at a drive-thru event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Billingsley Field House, 1400 Foch St.
Free pediatric flu shots are available for uninsured and underinsured Fort Worth ISD students under 18 years old.
The vaccines are first come, first serve. Flu shot registration, appointments and student ID are not required.
Snacks and giveaways will also be available at the event. Families will be provided with free books and information from local agencies such as the City of Fort Worth, JPS Health Network and other community partners.
Dallas County offers flu shots at clinics
Dallas County Health and Human Services offers the flu vaccine at many clinic locations. Call ahead of time at 214-819-2000 to schedule an appointment. Go here for locations and hours.
The vaccine ranges from $30 for the regular flu shot to $65 for the high dose.
Children can get the vaccine at all clinics. The vaccine for adults is available at the main clinic at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 75207.
Tarrant County Public Health offers flu shots for $25
Residents in Tarrant County can get the flu vaccine at multiple locations in the county.
Shots are $25 per person. Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted.
Call 817-248-6066 to make an appointment. Go here for locations.
Denton County Public Health offering flu vaccines
Denton County Public Health is offering flu vaccines by appointment only. Call 940-349-2900 for Denton and 972-434-4700 for Lewisville.
The department increased its flu vaccine order by 40% compared to last year, spokesperson Jennifer Rainey said.
Many of the vaccines that were ordered are designated for specific high-risk groups and the uninsured community members, which are the department's primary focus.
Flu shots are typically free for those with private insurance and the department encourages community members with insurance to call their primary care providers, pharmacies, and urgent care clinics to get their flu vaccine scheduled.
Low-cost flu vaccines at Garland Public Health
Flu shots are available at Garland Public Health, 206 Carver St. from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for adults, children and seniors who are insured.
Call 972-205-3370 for pricing and to learn what insurance plans are accepted.
Other locations to get a flu shot
CareNow Urgent Care offers $20 flu shots for people of all ages. Go here for more information.
