Mayo Clinic Health System offering flu vaccinations at several SE Minnesota locations

Jennifer Bredow

(ABC 6 News) – Mayo Clinic Health System is offering flu vaccinations at several locations across Southeast Minnesota.

Appointments will be available starting Oct. 18 to individuals who are six months and older. Appointments can be scheduled through Patient Online Services or the Mayo Clinic App.

Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend all people 6 months and older get vaccinated for flu.

"Like COVID-19, influenza is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe or life-threatening," said Dr. Sarah Scherger, pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin.

"However, the two illnesses are not the same. The best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu is to get vaccinated each year."

Flu vaccinations will be offered at these locations:

  • Albert Lea
    • Health Reach Building, 1705 S.E. Broadway Ave., rooms 1-112 and 1-113.
  • Austin
    • West Building, 101 14th St. NW, room 1-04.
  • Owatonna
    • Southview Building, 134 Southview St.
  • Rochester
    • 41st St. Professional Building, 3033 41st St. NW. Enter from the north side of the building.

In addition, patients can ask to be vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at most locations during an existing appointment with their primary care provider at these Southeast Minnesota clinic locations:

  • Adams
    • 908 W. Main St.
  • Albert Lea
    • 404 W. Fountain St.
  • Austin
    • 1000 First Drive NW.
  • Faribault
    • 300 State Ave.
  • Lake Mills
    • 309 S. 10th Ave. E.
  • New Richland
    • 318 First St. SW.
  • Owatonna
    • 2200 26th St. NW.
  • Wells
    • 301 S. Broadway.

"After vaccination, it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies to protect against the flu, which is why early fall vaccination is recommended. If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading illness to others," says Scherger.

Many insurance plans cover the cost of seasonal flu vaccination. Mayo Clinic Health System will bill insurance or accept payment. Children 18 and younger may be eligible to be vaccinated for flu at no cost through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program.