Flu vaccines are available at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. Flu vaccine clinics have been scheduled from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 on the fifth floor of the clinic; and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 in the anticoag clinic, located on the first floor of the medical center across from the ambulatory surgery unit. An interpreter will be available from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 24. Appointments are required for all clinics and can be made at 507-668-2041.

To schedule an appointment to receive the flu vaccine outside of these clinic dates, patients must make an appointment at 507-668-2041.

Those who already have an appointment scheduled with their regular healthcare provider can ask to receive the flu vaccine at that time. Flu vaccine is also available at Express Care, located within Albert Lea’s Hy-Vee, for those 12 years of age and older. No appointment is necessary at Express Care. Flu vaccine is covered by most insurance.

Flu vaccine clinic dates that are available to other at other Mayo Clinic Health System locations include:

Mayo Clinic Health System in Alden from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25. To make the required appointment call 507-874-3140.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Kiester from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23. To make the required appointment call 507-294-3693.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake Mills: from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and 20. To make the required appointment call 641-592-2361.

Mayo Clinic Health System in New Richland from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and Oct. 13. To make the required appointment call 507-465-3216.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Wells from 8:30 to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 29. To make the required appointment call 507-553-6341.

Getting immunized is the single best way to help stop the spread of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine unless they have a valid contraindication. Children younger than nine require two doses of the flu vaccine one month apart, if it’s the first time they’ve been vaccinated for the flu.

For more information on influenza and the different types of flu vaccine available call Mayo Clinic Health System’s Flu Information Phone Line at 866-221-1852 or visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org.