A bout of flu can disrupt much more than one person’s week, affecting the people who share a home, classroom or workplace. As fall brings another respiratory illness season, Harris County is making flu vaccination available at no cost and encouraging neighbors to think about the people they can help protect along with themselves.

Harris County Public Health offers free flu vaccinations at county clinics and mobile health events as part of its “Practice Community Immunity” message. Residents can call d to schedule a clinic appointment or visit a mobile health event that offers flu vaccination. The county’s mobile clinic calendar lists upcoming locations and services; residents should check the services listed for the event they plan to attend.

For families fitting preventive care around school and work, the clinic appointments and mobile stops provide different ways to make vaccination part of the fall schedule.

“Practicing community immunity means taking steps to protect your own health while also helping protect the people around you,” said Dr. Ericka Brown, Harris County Public Health’s local health authority. “Getting your flu vaccine, staying home when you’re sick, and practicing healthy habits can help reduce the spread of illness in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities.”

Make Time for Protection Before Illness Arrives

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine each season for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. A health professional can help determine the appropriate vaccine based on age, medical history and any past serious reaction.

Vaccination is particularly important for people at greater risk of serious complications. That includes older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.

Flu vaccination can lower the risk of illness and serious outcomes. It can also make illness less severe in people who are vaccinated but still become infected. Protection takes about two weeks to develop, making it useful to plan ahead as fall and winter activity increases.

Small Habits Help Protect the People Around You

Common flu symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, especially in children. Not everyone who has flu develops a fever.

Flu is one of several respiratory illnesses that circulate during the year. COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, and viruses that cause the common cold can also affect the lungs and airways.

Alongside vaccination, Harris County Public Health encourages residents to:

• Stay home and away from others when sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when those are unavailable.
• Improve indoor air quality, including bringing in outdoor air when practical.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Finding a Free Vaccination

For an appointment at a county clinic, call 832-927-7350. Mobile health events allow walk-ins; review each event’s service list before traveling, because the services offered vary by stop.

Additional information is available at hcphtx.org/flu and hcphtx.org/mobileclinics.

By Johnny Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded—Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.

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