Willow River Schools will be the site of a seasonal flu shot clinic this year on Tuesday, October 13 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Flu vaccine will be available for anyone age 4 or older. Cost of the shot is $24.99 but Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency ,provider of the clinic, will bill either private insurance or Minnesota Health Care Programs, as well as Medicare Part B, if the insurance card from a participating provider is presented at the time of the clinic. Most major insurers in the state of Minnesota are accepted, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medica, HealthPartners.

It is recommended that all school age children receive the seasonal flu shot in an effort to reduce the spread of influenza types A and B. All adults age 50 and older are also recommended to receive a yearly flu shot as well as anyone who is pregnant or with an underlying health problem such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease including asthma, or other health issues. Household contacts of infants and the elderly are also in the recommended group to receive vaccine. While the latest recommendations are for all children between the ages of 6 months and 19 years to receive vaccine, this clinic will only be available to children from the age of 4 and older. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent present.

Appointments are highly recommended although walk-ins will be accommodated as time and supplies allow. To schedule an appointment or for more information, including a list of all insurances that can be billed, please call the health office at the Willow River School, 218-372-3131 ext. 205, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 2 PM.

Please note that this clinic is for SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE only. The vaccine for the H1N1 flu has not yet been released. It is recommended that children receive both the seasonal vaccine as well as vaccine for the H1N1 flu when supplies for that are available.