What to know about flu vaccines
Virus season is around the corner, and vaccines that help protect against flu and RSV are available at all of our M Health Fairview clinics and retail pharmacies.
Appointments are required for clinic locations. Get more information on scheduling a vaccine appointment online. You can schedule through MyChart or call 1-855-324-7843. To schedule an appointment at a retail pharmacy location please visit Fairview Pharmacy.
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about flu vaccine availability, locations, and our safety precautions.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
September and October are great times to get the flu shot, so that your family will be protected when flu season starts. Flu season typically runs from October to March each year, and your body needs time to build antibodies to the flu virus after you have received your flu shot. M Health Fairview experts recommend getting vaccinated before the end of October for the best protection. But the flu shot will be available throughout flu season.
Who should get a flu shot?
Annual flu vaccinations are available for people 6 months and older. It’s especially important for those at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including pregnant women, children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with certain medical conditions. Your trusted healthcare provider is the best person to answer your questions or talk with about any concerns.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Anyone six months of age or older can get a flu vaccine at any M Health Fairview clinic. Here is a list of our primary care clinic locations.
People five years of age and older can get a flu vaccine at the following retail pharmacy locations:
Fairview Pharmacy - Apple Valley
Fairview Pharmacy - Bloomington
Fairview Pharmacy - Burnsville, Specialty Care Center
Fairview Pharmacy - Chisago City
Fairview Pharmacy - Maple Grove
Fairview Pharmacy - Minneapolis, Riverside
Fairview Pharmacy - Minneapolis, M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center
Fairview Pharmacy - Minneapolis, University Village
Fairview Pharmacy - New Brighton
Fairview Pharmacy - North Branch
Fairview Pharmacy - Prior Lake
Fairview Pharmacy - St. Paul, Highland Park
Flu shots are not widely available at our urgent care locations, though a limited number of vaccines may be distributed to urgent care patients that are being seen for other health concerns.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are required for our clinic and pharmacy locations. Find a clinic or pharmacy location near you.
How can I make an appointment?
Call 1-855-324-7843 to schedule an appointment at a clinic to receive your flu vaccination.
Is the flu vaccine safe for my family?
Yes. The flu vaccine is safe and effective – and it’s important for even young, healthy people to get vaccinated.
"There’s so much misinformation out there regarding vaccines. We can't emphasize it enough: the risk of a vaccine is minor compared to the risk posed by the flu," said M Health Fairview Infectious Disease Physician Beth Thielen, MD, PhD. "Every year, I see children who are hospitalized, and even die, because of the flu. It is incredibly sad to know that every year children die from the flu – a potentially preventable disease."
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Each year, different strains of the influenza virus spread across the country. Experts develop the flu vaccine based on data predicting which kinds will be most prevalent. In addition to significantly decreasing the risk of getting flu, the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness or death in those who become ill.
What types of flu vaccine are available?
In addition to the traditional flu vaccine administered via injection, our primary care clinics and retail pharmacies may also offer FluMist vaccines for patients who cannot tolerate an injection. FluMist is a nasal spray flu vaccine. Like the traditional flu vaccines available this year, Flu Mist protects against the most common strains circulating. Patients should verify that their clinic or pharmacy has FluMist available when they make an appointment.
