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Flu Shots
Flu season is coming!
It's not too early to be thinking about the flu season. The best way to protect you and your family is to get a flu shot. You can request a flu shot at a regularly scheduled appointment.
You can also attend one of our walk-in flu shot clinics. All HealthPartners and RiverWay Clinics offer walk-in flu shot clinics, primarily during the month of November. No appointment is necessary for the walk-in clinics and they are open to adults and children nine years and older. For a complete list of walk-in flu shot clinic dates and times, call our flu shot hotline at 952-883-6199.
Walk-in Flu shot Clinics schedule
Flu shots are encouraged for all people, especially those considered at risk.
In general, at risk individuals include:
- Children ages 6 months - 5 years
- People age 50 and over
- Children or teens receiving chronic aspirin therapy
- Women who are pregnant during flu season (December to March)
- People of any age with heart or respiratory disease, cancer, diabetes, immune system disorders or a chronic medical condition requiring regular doctor visits
- People living in long-term care facilities
The following groups should get a flu shot to protect themselves as well as other people:
- Family members and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-59 months or other people
- Health care workers who provide direct patient care
If you have ever had Guillain Barre Syndrome or a serious allergic reaction to eggs, thimerosal or a previous flu shot, check with your doctor to make sure a flu shot is safe for you.
Flu Shot Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flu?
Symptoms of influenza, otherwise known as the "flu," usually appear suddenly and include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, runny nose, headache, cough and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are not symptoms of the flu. A person with influenza is contagious from the day before symptoms start until approximately five days after symptoms begin. For most people, the best treatment is rest, liquids and a fever/pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
No. All viruses in a flu shot have been inactivated so the vaccine cannot give you the flu. Serious allergic reactions to the flu are rare. Some people may feel slight soreness around the injection site for a short time.
Does my insurance cover flu shots?
Call the member or customer service number for your your insurance. This number is usually found on the back of your insurance card. If you insurance does not cover flu shots, you will be billed for the shot.
What do I wear for a flu shot?
Please wear a shirt or blouse that has short sleeves or is loose enough to roll up so that the shot can be given in your upper arm.
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