Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated offers the best protection. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death.
Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer flu and Pfizer Covid-19 shots for the public by appointment at all three of its locations at these community clinics and times:
Aitkin Clinic: Thursdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Garrison Clinic: Tuesdays, Oct. 1 and 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
McGregor Clinic: Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9 and 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To schedule a flu or Covid-19 shot, call Riverwood’s appointments line at 218-927-2157 or schedule online at https://bit.ly/4ewg5rk.
Flu and Covid shots will also be available to patients and their significant others during scheduled primary care clinic visits this fall. After the community clinics dates end, a flu and Covid shot may be obtained by making a nurse visit appointment at a Riverwood clinic.
Riverwood clinics will offer the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine during clinic and nurse visits and along with the flu vaccine during the scheduled community clinics. In addition, all three Riverwood retail pharmacies in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor will offer the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines this fall.
Minnesota influenza outbreaks typically occur between December through April. Antibodies develop about two weeks after getting the vaccine.
For the elderly and those with immuno-compromising diseases, the immune system is often slower to respond. Flu shots or other vaccines may not work as well or protect against illness as long as expected.
For more information on flu symptoms, prevention and treatment, go to the Minnesota Department of Health.