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 September, Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer vaccinations for the seasonal flu at its clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor.
Riverwood’s first flu shot clinics will open to the public at these locations and times:
Aitkin Clinic: Sept. 10, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Garrison Clinic: Sept. 11, 9:00 to 12:00 p.m.; Sept. 17, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
McGregor Clinic: Sept. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Sept. 16, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Riverwood will schedule additional dates for flu clinics as more vaccine arrives this fall.
Appointments are requested. To make an appointment, call Riverwood’s toll-free Flu Line at (888) 303-4550. The flu shot clinics schedule is also posted at www.riverwoodhealthcare.org
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.