The month of October doesn’t just bring cooler weather. It also marks the beginning of the flu season, which peaks between December and February and can last through May. 

Influenza A and Influenza B are the two forms of flu that typically circulate each season and cause mild, cold-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. Influenza A is usually the most common form of the virus in adults and tends to circulate earlier in the season, while Influenza B is more common and severe among children. 

Instead of waiting for the flu to spread, it’s important to receive a vaccine as soon as possible, said Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, infectious disease specialist with Texas Health Resources. The vaccine typically protects against both strains of influenza. 

Texas had more residents without health insurance than any other state in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available. In order to be proactive, several Tarrant County health providers are administering free or affordable vaccines in the coming weeks. 

Texas Health Resources’ Faith Community Nursing team will be holding numerous free flu clinics through October. People are not required to show insurance or identification. Vaccines will be given to anyone age 9 and older, while supplies last.

“Having these flu clinics early on helps, because once you get the vaccine there is some degree of protection,” Bhayani said. “To really see the full immune response takes about two weeks. If you get the vaccination now, you’re protected later on during the holiday season.” 

Here’s where to find a Texas Health free immunization event near you, beginning Oct. 4:

Tarrant County Public Health also administers flu vaccines. The public health department is responsible for overseeing services like family health programs, immunizations, and disease control and prevention for local residents. 

The public health department administers immunizations to those 6 months old and older at its locations in Arlington, Fort Worth, Lake Worth and Watauga Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. 

Immunizations are available for children on Medicaid and CHIP and those who are underinsured or uninsured. Vaccines are free, but administration fees range from $8 to $15. 

Appointments are available and recommended, but walk-ins are welcome until capacity is reached. Click here to find Tarrant County Public Health immunizations in October.

Major pharmacy chains — Albertsons, CVS, Kroger, Tom Thumb and Walgreens — administer the flu vaccine for free under most insurance plans, but cash costs vary for uninsured residents. A flu shot can range from $50 to $90.

If you choose not to receive the flu vaccine, Bhayani encourages practicing good hygiene, which includes washing hands frequently, covering sneezes and coughs, disinfecting surfaces and staying home when you’re sick. 

If your child is sick, over-the-counter medication, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help reduce aches, pains and fevers. Ibuprofen should not be given to children younger than 6 months. It is recommended to provide frequent nasal suctioning and keep them hydrated. 

If your child has only mild symptoms, it is advised not to go to the emergency room because emergency departments are frequently overwhelmed by the volume of patients, Dr. Kara Starnes, medical director of Cook Children’s Urgent Care Services, previously told the Report. 

If your child has severe difficulty breathing, starts breathing faster than normal, turns pale or becomes unusually drowsy, call 911 immediately. Other concerning signs include flared nostrils or a chest that appears to sink in with each breath. 

David Moreno is the health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. His position is supported by a grant from Texas Health Resources. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.