The best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu is to get vaccinated, according to Essentia Health officials. Essentia Health is providing two options to be vaccinated: by scheduling a 10-minute appointment at a nearby clinic or just stopping by during a walk-in flu clinic.
The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a flu vaccine for anyone who is 6 months old or older. Some children younger than age 9 need two doses to be protected. Parents should ask their doctors for recommendations.
"An infected person can spread influenza when they cough, sneeze or just talk near others," said Kari Russell, RN, infection preventionist at Essentia Health. "They can also spread it by touching or sneezing on an object someone else touches later."
Russell goes on to explain, "Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu. Other precautions you should take include washing your hands regularly, covering your cough and not going to work or school if you are sick."
The cost of a flu vaccine is covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid and most private insurance companies.
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Essentia Health clinics are offering 10-minute scheduled appointments at all clinic locations: Baxter, Brainerd, Crosslake, Emily, Hackensack, Pequot Lakes, Pierz, Pillager, and Pine River. Options will include: FluMist (nasal spray), flu shots, and a high dose flu shot option for those 65 and over. Interested persons may call 828-2880 to schedule an appointment at the clinic nearest you.
Walk-In flu clinics will be held at the following Essentia Health Clinics on the dates and times listed:
Baxter Clinic - 13060 Isle Drive, 2-6 p.m. Oct. 1 in Pediatrics for children and their families.
Brainerd Clinic - 2024 S Sixth Street, 9 a.m.-1p.m. Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 4 and 11.
Crosslake Clinic - 35205 County Road 3, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Emily Clinic - 20918 County Road 1, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24.
Hackensack Clinic , 110 Third Street S., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays: October 2, 9, 16, 23
Pequot Lakes Clinic, 4317 W Woodman Street 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23.
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Pierz Clinic - 221 North Main Street, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28.
Pillager Clinic - 680 Pillsbury Street N., 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24.
Pine River Clinic - 415 Barclay Avenue, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23.
