St. Luke’s Urges People to Get Their Flu Shots

With COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot to protect yourself and those around you.

Now through November, flu shots are available at St. Luke’s primary care clinics during regular clinic hours. Anyone can stop by to get a flu shot or, if preferred, you can call to schedule an appointment.

“With COVID-19 creating so many health concerns and restrictions, getting a flu shot is something everyone can do for themselves and the health of the community,” Dr. Andrew Thompson with St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Associates explained. “The flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through the community.”

Each year about 1 in 5 people 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 your chances of contracting the flu virus and spreading it.

The flu strain is different every year and it affects people differently. Even healthy people can become 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 shot.

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