Tarrant County Public Health Announces The Start Of Flu Season

October 26, 2026, - Tarrant County, Texas — October marks the beginning of flu and winter illness season in the United States. As cooler weather moves in, Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) encourages residents to practice simple prevention steps to protect themselves and their families.

TCPH monitors respiratory illness year-round, including flu, RSV, and COVID‑19. So far in the season, local case numbers are beginning to rise, though overall activity remains low. Flu activity typically peaks in January following the holiday season and stays elevated through March.

October is the ideal time to get a flu shot to ensure protection throughout the entire season. Because the vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, residents are encouraged to get vaccinated well before holiday gatherings. Early protection is best—but late protection is still better than none.

Flu shots are available for everyone six months and older at local pharmacies, grocery stores, through healthcare providers, and at Tarrant County Public Health clinics.

At TCPH clinics, flu shots are available for those covered by Medicaid or CHIP, as well as individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. For residents without insurance, the flu shot costs $10 for children, $35 for adults, and $80 for the high‑dose vaccine recommended for seniors. Additional low‑cost options are offered at TCPH clinics.

Residents can walk into any of TCPH’s six immunization clinics until 4 p.m. based on availability:

Tarrant County Public Health - Main Campus

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m.

1101 S. Main Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76104

Tarrant County Public Health - Cooper Street

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m.

2920 S. Cooper Street
Arlington, Texas 76015

Tarrant County Public Health - Granbury Road

Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m.

6551 Granbury Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76133

Tarrant County Public Health - Miller Avenue

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m.

3212 Miller Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76119

Tarrant County Public Health - Lake Worth

Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m.

3800 Adam Grubb Road
Lake Worth, Texas 76135

Tarrant County Public Health - Watauga

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m.

6601 Watauga Road, Suite 122
Watauga, Texas 76148

The flu is not the only respiratory virus that becomes more active during the colder months. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) also circulates from fall through early spring. Infants and older adults with weakened immune systems or chronic heart or lung disease are at highest risk for severe illness. Vaccines are available for pregnant women and adults at increased risk, and protective antibodies are available for infants.

COVID‑19 also tends to spike locally in summer and winter. An annual booster is recommended for adults over 18 or individuals at higher risk.

To protect against winter illnesses, TCPH recommends the following:

• Get vaccinated: Stay up to date with your annual flu shot, COVID‑19 booster, and RSV vaccine if you are eligible.
• Practice good hygiene: Frequently wash hands, use hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with the sick.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
• Boost your immunity: Maintain a balanced diet, get ample sleep, stay hydrated, and remain physically active.
• Stay home when ill.

Residents with questions about which vaccines are appropriate for themselves or their families are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or visit a TCPH immunization clinic. You can track local winter illness activity through TCPH’s respiratory illness dashboard at www.tarrantcountytx.gov/flu-report. 

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