Central Texas school districts will have free flu vaccine clinics in October; Austin groups advocate for flu education

AUSTIN, Texas — E3 Alliance, a data-driven education group, is partnering with Health Heroes America to offer free flu shots to Central Texas families and school districts in the Austin area during the last two weeks of October. Whether a child is learning on campus or online, they will have a chance to get a free flu vaccine. 

U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) said this is a push Texas needs to avoid more illnesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s more important than ever because its symptoms are so similar to COVID-19. You don’t want to weaken your body and be more susceptible to COVID-19, and you don’t want to mix the two,” Doggett said. 

E3 Alliance’s data shows acute illnesses such as colds or flu account for 48% of all absences in the Central Texas region. 

“We also know that when children are healthy, they are better able to attend, commit and engage in their learning at school. Attendance matters. The flu vaccine matters – more this year than ever before. Let’s each do our part and get our yearly shot to knock out the flu!” E3 Alliance said. 

“We’re trying to help them stay in school. They’re learning when they’re in school. So, that’s the key thing. We’re also trying to keep them healthy, which is very, very important. But in a sense, it really helps [keep] the economy going because it keeps us working. It keeps us running,” said Wayne Williams, the executive director of Health Heroes America.

The following school districts will participate in the program:

• Austin ISD
• Bastrop ISD
• Copperas Cove ISD
• Del Valle ISD
• Elgin ISD
• Georgetown ISD
• Hays CISD
• Hutto ISD
• Lake Travis ISD
• Lampasas ISD
• Liberty Hill ISD
• Lockhart ISD
• Marble Falls ISD
• Pflugerville ISD
• San Marcos CISD
• Taylor ISD
• Lexington ISD

E3 Alliance said to check with your child’s school to see if it’s part of “Knock Out the Flu” and complete a consent form.

WATCH: Austin-area schools to offer free flu shots in October

Who is running for Austin City Council this November?

22 arrested by Austin police during car club operation in northeast Austin

ACL Fest 2020 will be virtual, report states

Ivanka Trump to visit Austin area Wednesday for fundraising event