County health departments statewide will be giving out free flu shots on Dec. 5.

The State Health Department says the annual flu epidemic is underway and is expected to last several more weeks. The flu can prove deadly, and annual vaccination is still the best protection against it.

A news release from Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner says the vaccine can keep you from becoming ill. He says it can also protect those around you who might catch the disease from you.

No appointments are needed during the free flu shot event. Shots are available through all county health departments, but locations and plans vary by county.

In Cumberland County, the shots will be available at the Cumberland County Community Complex, 1398 Livingston Road, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Bledsoe County, shots will be given at the Bledsoe County Rescue Squad, 977 U.S. 127 Bypass in Pikeville, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In Roane County, shots will be given at the Roane County Health Department, 1362 North Gateway Avenue in Rockwood, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

In Rhea County, shots will be provided at the Deli-Mart, 14002 Rhea County Highway in Evensville, from 8:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. Eastern time.

In Fentress County, flu shots will be administered at the Fentress County Health Department, 240 Colonial Circle, Suite A, in Jamestown, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

In Morgan County, the flu shots will be made available at the Morgan County Health Department, 1103 Knoxville Highway in Wartburg, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.