Where to get free or low-cost vaccines in Nashville without insurance

Vaccines are available even without insurance

If you do not have health insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost vaccines in Nashville.

The Metro Public Health Department, Community Health Centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and other healthcare providers offer vaccinations for adults and children regardless of insurance status. Depending on your income, age, and the vaccine you need, your cost may be free, reduced through a sliding fee scale, or covered by a public assistance program.

Whether you need a flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, school immunizations, Tdap, or hepatitis vaccines, Nashville has affordable options available.

Can you get vaccines without insurance?

Yes.

Many clinics in Nashville provide vaccinations to patients who do not have private health insurance. Some vaccines are funded through federal or state public health programs, while others are offered at reduced prices through community clinics.

If you are unsure where to begin, start with your local Community Health Center or the Metro Public Health Department. They can explain your options, recommend the vaccines you need, and help determine whether you qualify for reduced-cost services.

Where can you get vaccines in Nashville?

Several organizations provide affordable immunizations throughout Davidson County, including:

• Metro Public Health Department clinics
• Community Health Centers
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Primary care practices
• Pediatric clinics
• Walk-in medical clinics
• Participating pharmacies

Some locations accept walk-in patients, while others recommend scheduling an appointment in advance.

Where to start

• Metro Public Health Department immunization clinics (by appointment, with walk-ins accepted until 2:30 p.m.; a $20 vaccine administration fee slides by income): Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Ave, 615-340-5667; East Public Health Center, 1015 E Trinity Ln, 615-862-7916; Woodbine Public Health Center, 224 Oriel Ave, 615-862-7940. Adult vaccines at the health department are limited to Td, Tdap, MMR, and hepatitis B; for a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, call a health center or pharmacy first.
• HRSA Find a Health Center: search by address for federally funded health centers near you that charge based on income.
• Children 18 and under who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, underinsured, or American Indian or Alaska Native can get routine vaccines at no cost for the vaccine through the federal Vaccines for Children program. Ask whether the clinic participates.

Common vaccines available

Many clinics offer routine immunizations for both adults and children.

Flu vaccine

An influenza vaccine is recommended each year for most people 6 months and older. Seasonal flu clinics are widely available each year.

COVID-19 vaccines

Updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines are approved for adults 65 and older and for people with certain medical conditions. For uninsured adults there is no longer a federal free COVID vaccine program, so ask the clinic or pharmacy about eligibility and price first. Children who qualify for Vaccines for Children can get it at participating clinics.

Tdap vaccine

Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is commonly recommended during every pregnancy, after certain injuries, and every ten years as an adult booster.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

These vaccines help protect against viral hepatitis and may be recommended based on age, occupation, travel plans, or medical history.

Childhood immunizations

Children may receive vaccines that protect against diseases such as:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Polio
• Chickenpox
• Meningitis
• HPV
• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus

Parents should bring any available vaccination records to their appointment.

School vaccines in Tennessee

Most public and private schools in Tennessee require students to receive certain immunizations before enrollment.

If your child recently moved to Nashville or is starting daycare, preschool, kindergarten, or college, they may need updated vaccination records before attending classes.

Many Community Health Centers and Metro Health clinics provide school-required vaccines at reduced cost for uninsured families.

Children under 18 need consent from a parent or legal guardian, in person or by phone, before most health services in Tennessee, including vaccines. The Metro Public Health Department requires signed or verbal consent from a parent or legal guardian for every patient under 18.

Travel vaccines

If you plan to travel outside the United States, you may need additional vaccinations depending on your destination.

Common travel vaccines include:

• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Cholera

Travel vaccines are usually not covered by free vaccine programs and can be expensive. Metro Public Health does not offer them, but they are available at the Vanderbilt International Travel Clinic in Brentwood, 615-936-1174. Ask a travel clinic for prices before booking.

Not every clinic offers travel medicine services, so call ahead to verify availability before scheduling an appointment.

Who qualifies for free or reduced-cost vaccines?

Eligibility varies depending on the clinic and funding source. You may qualify if you:

• Do not have health insurance
• Have a low household income
• Recently lost insurance coverage
• Receive public assistance
• Have children eligible for vaccination assistance programs
• Receive care through a federally funded health center

Clinic staff can explain your options and determine whether you qualify for financial assistance.

What should you bring?

Although requirements vary, it is helpful to bring:

• A photo ID if available
• Your insurance card (if you have one)
• Previous vaccination records
• School immunization forms
• Proof of income if requested
• Any medical records related to previous vaccines

If you recently moved from another country, ask whether your existing immunization records can be accepted or translated.

Can immigrants receive vaccinations?

Many healthcare providers in Nashville offer vaccinations regardless of immigration status.

If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the clinic what forms of identification they accept before your appointment. Some providers may accept a passport, ITIN documentation, or other forms of identification depending on their policies.

Community Health Centers frequently assist immigrant families, refugees, international students, and new Tennessee residents with preventive healthcare, including vaccinations.

Does TennCare cover vaccines?

Yes.

If you qualify for TennCare, many recommended vaccines are covered with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

TennCare covers certain groups, mainly children, pregnant women, parents or caretakers of children, and people who are elderly or have a disability, who meet income and immigration requirements. Check at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or 855-259-0701.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Getting vaccinated should not depend on whether you have health insurance. Nashville offers multiple programs that help adults and children receive important immunizations at affordable prices. Community Health Centers give routine adult and childhood vaccines on a sliding fee. Metro Public Health gives childhood vaccines through Vaccines for Children and Td, Tdap, MMR and hepatitis B for adults, so call first to confirm the clinic carries the vaccine you need.

If you are unsure where to start, contact a local clinic before your visit. They can explain available programs, review your vaccination history, discuss any recommended immunizations, and help you understand the costs based on your individual situation. Staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and the health of those around you.