Flu Vaccines

Preventing disease and keeping our children healthy is a priority for all of us. Schools play an important role in helping to keep our children healthy and in stopping the spread of infectious diseases, like influenza. Thirty schools in Olmsted County have partnered with Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health and the SE MN Beacon Project to offer the flu vaccine (both injectable and mist) to students in the next three weeks. Vaccinations will take place during the school day, right at school. This makes it easier and more convenient for both students and parents. To find out if your child’s school is participating, please visit the website. Registration is required, and can be done via our on-line link or by completing a paper consent form available at the school office or downloaded from the website.

Influenza is a serious disease that can spread quickly among children, especially in schools, yet most of us tend to think it is a disease that only affects our older populations. Not true!  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children typically have the highest attack rates during community outbreaks of the flu and children can spread the illness very quickly to their friends, neighbors and family members. Protecting our children from influenza protects all of us. The CDC now recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine every year, as soon as it is available.

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