Influenza or flu is a contagious disease, which is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. The best protection is a seasonal flu shot.
You can get the flu at any time but influenza outbreaks most often occur from November through May. Beginning in early October Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer vaccinations for the seasonal flu at its clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor.
Riverwood will offer flu shot clinics to the public by appointment one day a week beginning the second week in October. Flu clinic appointments will be available between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the dates listed below.
Garrison Clinic: Tuesdays – Oct. 7, 14 and 21
Aitkin Clinic: Wednesdays – Oct. 8, 15 and 22
McGregor Clinic: Thursdays – Oct. 9, 16 and 23
To make an appointment, call Riverwood’s toll-free flu line at (888) 303-4550. The flu clinics schedule is also posted at www.riverwoodhealthcare.org
At this time, Riverwood has a limited amount of vaccine for those ages 64 and younger, but a larger supply is on order and expected to arrive shortly. Riverwood will schedule additional dates for flu clinics as more vaccine arrives this fall. For updates, check Riverwood’s flu line or website.
Another option for flu shots is the flu clinics offered by Aitkin County Public Health, which will open Oct. 22 and be held at locations around Aitkin County through Nov. 24. No appointments are needed. For times and locations, see the schedule posted in the newspaper or at the county’s website at www.co.aitkin.mn.us
The Minnesota Health Department is now recommending anyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Others who should get flu shots include anyone under with chronic health conditions, all pregnant women, and adults who are living with or caring for children under 5 years old or persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
“At Riverwood, we are proud of our blue ribbon FluSafe record of more that 90 percent of our staff getting vaccinated for influenza,” says Michelle Farber, Riverwood infection preventionist. “We are committed to keeping our hospital and clinic patients safe and we urge community members to get flu shots too, especially if they are in high risk groups or work in a child care or health care facility.”