St. Luke's Will Soon Offer Flu Shots at Primary Care Clinics

Starting in early October through November, flu shots will be available at St. Luke’s primary care clinics during regular clinic hours. To make it convenient to receive the vaccination, anyone may call to schedule an appointment during clinic hours or receive the flu shot during a previously-scheduled appointment.

Each year about 1 in 5 people will get the flu and more than 200,000 hospitalizations result from flu-related complications. With the influenza virus circulating at a higher rate than normal during the flu season, receiving the flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of contracting the flu virus and spreading it.

“It’s never wise to predict an influenza season, but Australia has had a significant increase in flu cases this year, which could mean a bad season for the Northern hemisphere,” Dr. Andrew Thompson with St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Associates said. “The best defense we have is vaccination. Everyone should be proactive in safeguarding their health and the health of those around them.”

The flu strain is different every year and it affects people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone starting at the age of 6 months receives a flu vaccination.

Flu shots are covered by almost all insurance plans and Medicare. To find the St. Luke’s primary care clinic closest to you for your flu shot, visit: www.slhduluth.com/primarycareclinics.