Free Flu Vaccines Available for Texas Children, Adults

The state of Texas has secured 2.8 million doses of flu vaccine for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program and the new Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative. 

Children who are uninsured, underinsured or who qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program are eligible to receive voluntary immunizations against the flu and other diseases from more than 3,000 Texas Vaccines for Children providers across the state. Parents can search for providers in their area by using the Find a Provider link on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. 

The Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative is available for adults who are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection or other severe diseases. That includes the following groups:

• health care employees, first responders and other critical front-line workers
• staff and patients in long-term care facilities
• people with underlying health conditions
• people in racial and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19
• and uninsured and underinsured adults.

Details about enrollment in the Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative is available on the DSHS website. 

“The flu vaccine is an effective way to prevent the spread of influenza, and expanding access to this vaccine is especially important this year so that our health care systems can focus on treating COVID-19 patients,” said Gov. Greg Abbott in announcing the programs. 

“I urge every Texan to go get a flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones from the spread of influenza,” he added. 

More information on the flu and vaccination locations can be found at TexasFlu.org.