10 minute flu shots

Fall and colder temperature are approaching and Essentia Health is providing walk-in flu clinics to prepare the Brainerd Lakes Area for flu season.
Essential Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center Infection Control Registered Nurse, Kari Russell, says, “So we are offering the 10-minute appointments so you can come in and get your flu shots. You don’t need to make an appointment with your provider, it should just be a quick in and out, get your flu shot and get on with your day.”
This flu season there are four different types of flu shot to fit everyone’s needs. There’s a high dose shot for seniors, pediatric shot for infants 6-35 months old, regular dose shot and a nasal spray FluMist.
Russell says, “Getting your flu shot is the number one thing you can do to help prevent the spread of flu. It’s the best thing you can do to protect yourself, protect your family, protect our community. So the more people that we can get immunized the better protection we’ll have for our community in general.”
There are 9 walk-in flu clinics around the Brainerd Lakes Area. And Essentia Health recommends getting your shot early so you’re ready for the flu season.
Essentia Health says seniors, infants and people who work closely with others tend to be those in higher risk for catching the flu. They also say most health insurance companies cover the flu shot, but to double-check with them first.