By Rich Larson
Getting a flu shot this fall can help prevent an illness that causes missed work and school and can lead to hospitalization or death. Rice County Public Health is offering October vaccination clinics throughout the county, including three in Northfield.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination reduces the risk of illness and serious complications and can lessen the severity of influenza in people who become infected despite receiving a shot.
Annual vaccination matters because protection declines over time and flu viruses change. Protective antibodies take about two weeks to develop, making vaccination before flu spreads widely especially valuable. September and October are generally recommended times to get vaccinated.
Rice County’s clinics will offer trivalent and high-dose vaccines. Registration takes place onsite. Residents should bring their health insurance cards so Public Health can bill insurers directly. Free vaccine is available for uninsured residents.
In Northfield, an adult clinic is scheduled for Oct. 14 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at FiftyNorth, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Room 102.
Clinics serving adults and children will be held Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at HealthFinders Collaborative, 706 Division St. S., and Oct. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rice County Satellite Office, 1651 Jefferson Parkway.
Additional clinics are scheduled Oct. 5 at HealthFinders in Faribault, Oct. 7 at Buckham West, Oct. 12 at Nerstrand School, Oct. 22 at Lonsdale Public Library and Oct. 27 at Morristown Community Center.
Adults and children can also receive vaccinations Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Public Health office, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault.
Public Health nurses can vaccinate homebound residents unable to access vaccines. For eligibility questions, clinic details or alternative vaccination arrangements, call Rice County Public Health at 507-332-6111.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
