Free flu shots will be available in Murfreesboro and Smyrna on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, as part of the Tennessee Department of Health's annual Fight Flu event. Rutherford County's two health departments will offer the shots from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and an evening clinic is set for 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Oakland Restoration Church in Murfreesboro.
Rutherford County posted the event on its website with flyers for both the health department and church locations.
Where can I get a free flu shot in Rutherford County?
There are three locations on Tuesday, Oct. 20:
- Rutherford County Health Department, Murfreesboro: 100 W. Burton St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Rutherford County Health Department, Smyrna: 108 David Collins Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Oakland Restoration Church: 530 N. Maney Ave., Murfreesboro, TN 37130, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
The church clinic gives people who work during the day a later option on the same date.
Who can get a free flu shot?
The Tennessee Department of Health's Fight Flu page says all Tennesseans six months and older are eligible to get the flu vaccine. The department says the vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against the most common types of circulating flu viruses and the flu's worst symptoms.
The county flyers and the state's Fight Flu page do not say whether appointments are needed or whether people should bring an insurance card. Anyone with questions can check with the health department before Oct. 20.
What is Fight Flu Tennessee?
Fight Flu is the Tennessee Department of Health's annual flu awareness and preparedness campaign. On the event day, local health departments across the state offer free flu vaccines to the public. The department says the event also lets medical staff and teams at local health departments practice delivering those services.
The state's Fight Flu page includes an event location map for finding other sites around Tennessee on Oct. 20.
Why get a flu shot?
The flyer for the health department locations calls a flu shot the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community during flu season. The Tennessee Department of Health says people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and young children are all at risk of severe complications if they get the flu.
The department also cites national estimates that 7.5 million illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 deaths could be prevented each year if more people got a flu vaccine.
Other health resources around Murfreesboro
People who cannot make it on Oct. 20 can look for other options in OnlyInMurfreesboro's guides to pharmacies in Murfreesboro, urgent care clinics and pediatricians. Smyrna residents can find more local information in the Smyrna, TN guide, and the Rutherford County guide covers other county services. The same week brings plenty more to the local calendar, collected in the things to do in October roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are free flu shots in Murfreesboro?
Free flu shots are Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rutherford County Health Department, 100 W. Burton St., and from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Oakland Restoration Church, 530 N. Maney Ave.
Are there free flu shots in Smyrna?
Yes. The Rutherford County Health Department in Smyrna, 108 David Collins Dr., offers free flu shots from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 20.
Who is eligible for the free flu shot?
The Tennessee Department of Health says all Tennesseans six months and older are eligible to get the flu vaccine.
Do I need an appointment for the Fight Flu event?
The county flyers and the state's Fight Flu page do not mention appointments. Contact the health department ahead of time with questions.
Who is running the free flu shot clinics?
The clinics are part of the Tennessee Department of Health's annual Fight Flu campaign, in which local health departments across Tennessee offer free flu vaccines on the same day.
Sources: Rutherford County: Free Flu Shots, Rutherford County health departments Fight Flu flyer (PDF).pdf), Oakland Restoration Church Fight Flu flyer (PDF), Tennessee Department of Health: Fight Flu Tennessee.
*Illustration: AI-generated image; not an actual Rutherford County health department clinic.*