Flu Shots Offered Starting Wednesday - Special Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled

MANKATO, NORTH MANKATO, ST. PETER, MAPLETON, LAKE CRYSTAL - Mankato Clinic is announcing its sites will begin offering flu shots Wednesday of this week (Oct. 3) and is not expecting any shortages this year. Patients can receive a flu vaccination in one of three ways:

1.         By calling 625-1811 to schedule an appointment to receive a flu shot;

2.         During an existing appointment already scheduled; or

3.         By calling 625-1811 to schedule an appointment during special flu shot clinics scheduled for Saturday, October 13 from 8:00 a.m. – Noon and Tuesday, October 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the following Mankato Clinic sites: Main Street and Wickersham, Mankato; North Mankato; St. Peter; Mapleton; and Lake Crystal.

In addition to the special flu shot clinics on Oct. 13 and 16, the Mankato Clinic Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine will also be taking after-hour flu shot appointments 5:30-7:00 p.m., Oct. 22 - Oct. 25. The Mankato Clinic will also be offering several special flu shot clinics at major employers throughout the fall.

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

People who should get vaccinated each year are people at high risk for complications from the flu, including:  Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday; Pregnant women; People 50 years of age and older; People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu should also get vaccinated each year, including: Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above); and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).

Talk with a healthcare provider before getting a flu shot if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot; have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS); and/or if you are sick with a fever when you go to get your flu shot