The Houston Health Department offers influenza vaccines with income-based fees; uninsured minors can also access the Texas Vaccines for Children program.
The Houston Health Department provides influenza vaccines to uninsured or underinsured patients through a discounted rate scale. Their health centers administer vaccines on different days of the week and require confirming availability before attending.
For minors under 18, the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program also includes the influenza vaccine among the immunizations available to children who meet its criteria.
October coincides with one of the recommended periods to receive the seasonal vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that, for most people who require a single dose during the season, vaccination should ideally be offered in September or October.
Houston offers influenza vaccines with a sliding scale
The centers of the Houston Health Department offer flu vaccines to uninsured and underinsured patients through a sliding scale tailored to income.
The department also notes that access to its services is not denied solely due to an inability to pay.
Vaccines are administered on specific days at each center. To find an appointment and confirm the applicable cost, the Houston Health Department maintains the immunization line at 832-393-5427.
Up-to-date immunization information is available at the Houston Health Department.
Northside, Sharpstown and Sunnyside offer vaccination services
| Center | Address | Days Published for Immunizations | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northside Health Center | 8504 Schuller Rd., Houston, TX 77093 | Mondays and Thursdays | 832-393-5427 |
| Sharpstown Health Services | 6201 Bonhomme Rd., Houston, TX 77036 | Tuesdays and Wednesdays | 832-393-5427 |
| Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center | 4410 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051 | Friday | 832-393-5427 |
Schedules and vaccine availability may change. The Houston Health Department asks that immunization appointments be scheduled by phone before visiting.
Uninsured children can receive the vaccine through TVFC
Texas Vaccines for Children provides low-cost vaccines to minors from birth through 18 years old who meet certain criteria.
The program includes minors who:
- do not have medical insurance;
- have insurance that does not cover all vaccines;
- are enrolled in or are eligible for Medicaid;
- are enrolled in CHIP;
- are American Indian or Alaska Native.
The influenza vaccine is part of the immunizations available through TVFC.
Participating providers cannot charge for the vaccine. There may be an administrative fee of up to $13.75, but a child cannot be denied solely because their family cannot pay that fee.
The Houston Health Department participates in TVFC and allows requesting information about providers and appointments through its immunization line.
Adult Safety Net does not currently include the influenza vaccine
Texas maintains the Adult Safety Net (ASN) program to provide low-cost vaccines to adults aged 19 and older who do not have health insurance.
However, the program’s current vaccine list includes hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR, meningococcus, Td and Tdap, among others, but does not currently include the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Therefore, an uninsured adult seeking the influenza vaccine specifically should not assume it will be covered through ASN. The Houston Health Department maintains separately its influenza vaccination option with a sliding scale.
Harris County also offers vaccines at clinics and mobile units
Harris County Public Health maintains fixed clinics and mobile units that provide vaccines for children and adults.
Mobile units may offer routine and seasonal vaccines, depending on state rules, eligibility, and the availability of doses. Some services are free for those who qualify.
Appointments and availability can be confirmed at 832-927-7350. Harris County Public Health also publishes a calendar of mobile health events.
Community clinics also administer flu vaccines
Spring Branch Community Health Center offers influenza vaccines at its clinics in Spring Branch, West Houston, Katy, Cy-Fair, and other areas of the metropolitan region.
The center operates a financial assistance program based on income and household size. However, its discounts for consultations do not automatically cover the cost of vaccines, so the price must be confirmed before scheduling the service.
Spring Branch Community Health Center handles inquiries and appointments at 713-462-6565.
October is one of the recommended months to get vaccinated
The CDC maintains for the 2026-2027 season the annual recommendation for influenza vaccination for people aged 6 months or older who do not have a medical contraindication.
For most people who need a single dose during the season, September and October are the preferred months to receive it. Vaccination can continue after October as influenza viruses continue to circulate and vaccines remain available.
Influenza vaccines for the 2026-2027 season were updated compared to the previous season to respond to the viruses expected to circulate in the coming months.
Prices must be confirmed before you go
Being uninsured does not automatically mean that an influenza vaccine will be free.
The Houston Health Department uses a sliding scale, pediatric programs have specific eligibility rules, and other providers may charge for the vaccine even if they offer discounts on medical consultations.
Before scheduling an appointment, it is advisable to confirm the vaccine cost, required documents, age eligibility, and whether an appointment is needed.
