MCHS to offer flu vaccine at various sites in southeast Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Health System will offer flu vaccine at sites throughout Southeast Minnesota.

New this year, patients can self-schedule a flu vaccination appointment by logging into Patient Online Services, and clicking on “New Appointment.” Then they can click on the Flu Immunization button, and select a date, time and location that work best for their schedule.

When making an appointment, note that children 6 months through age 8 need two flu vaccines if it’s the child’s first seasonal flu vaccination. The second vaccine is given at least four weeks from the date of the first.

Those not self-scheduling online can also call for an appointment at one of these locations:

Austin: 1000 First Drive NW.  Call 507-433-8758 for an appointment.

Albert Lea: 404 W. Fountain St. Call 507-668-2041 for an appointment.

Blooming Prairie:  405 E. Main. Call 507-583-7225 for an appointment.

Express Care – Austin: 1307 18th Ave NW. Walk-in or self-schedule online.

Faribault: 300 State Ave. Call 507-333-3300 for an appointment.

Lake Mills, Iowa: 309 S. 10th Ave E. Call 641-592-2361 for an appointment.

New Richland: 318 First St. SW. Call 507-465-3216 for an appointment.

Owatonna: 2200 26th St. NW. Call 507-451-1120 for an appointment.

Wells: 301 S. Broadway. Call 507-553-6341 for an appointment.

The cost of seasonal flu vaccine is covered by many insurance plans. Mayo Clinic Health System will bill insurance or accept payment.

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. For most people, influenza resolves on its own, but sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people 6 months and older get flu vaccinations. The best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Patients can receive flu vaccine during a scheduled appointment with their primary care provider or schedule an appointment exclusively to receive the flu vaccine.

People at high risk of developing serious complications from flu include:

• Those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and lung disease
• Pregnant women
• People 65 or older
• People who live with or care for others at high risk of developing serious complications, including caregivers of young children and people with chronic medical conditions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that providers use any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine during the 2019–2020 seasons.

Viruses in the flu vaccine are inactive or weakened, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to protect against the flu, which is why early fall vaccination is recommended. If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading illness to others. Prevent frostbite in frigid temperatures

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