Health Department

Porcine Notice: The FluMist vaccine contains a small amount of porcine (pork) gelatin, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and medically-safe ingredient used in some vaccines. This ingredient may be of concern to some parents or guardians for religious reasons or because of dietary restrictions (i.e., vegetarians). We want parents and guardians to be aware of this component to be able to make an informed decision regarding their child’s health care.

Please note that the flu shot does not contain any porcine products. If you would rather your child have a flu shot, you may bring them to any of our two locations.

The Knox County Health Department understands that porcine gelatin has been certified as "acceptable" by many multi-faith groups. Here are some resources for further review if this ingredient is of concern to you:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Institute for Vaccine Safety

Records can only be mailed to the home address; records cannot be faxed or emailed. Children's records may be obtained by parent only.

Immunization record requests can be made by phone (865-215-5150), fax (865-215-5155), email (KCHDIP@knoxcounty.org), mail or in person.

When making the request, please provide the following information: full name, date of birth, address, current phone number, and parent’s name (if child is under 18 years of age).

Please allow 2 to 3 days to process immunization records and call to arrange a pickup time. If making the request through email, a phone number must be provided for the department to contact the person requesting the records. Requests made by mail should be sent to the following address: Knox County Health Department, Immunization Program, 140 Dameron Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917.

If you are moving to Tennessee and need to transfer for your vaccine records, please call (865-215-5150).

Tennessee State law requires parental or legal guardian consent prior to administering vaccines to minors. A parent or legal guardian should be present for any vaccine appointment. If the parent or legal guardian is unable to be present for the appointment, please call the clinic for instructions.