Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea offers the following flu shot opportunities:

• Make a flu-shot only appointment by calling 379-2041 or one of our regional locations in Alden, Kiester, New Richland, Wells and Lake Mills, Iowa

• Ask for a flu shot during your clinic visit or scheduled exam

• Stop at Mayo Clinic Hearth System Express Care at HyVee in Albert Lea, as your schedule allows

Flu shots options include:

• a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older

• a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and

• nasal-spray flu vaccine

Please speak with your health care provider about the option best for you.

Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three flu viruses thought to be most common during the upcoming season. About two weeks after the shot, antibodies that provide protection against these viruses develop in the body.

Vaccination before December is best so the protective antibodies are in place before the height of flu season. As long as flu viruses are still spreading in the community, vaccination can provide protective benefit.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine each year.

Vaccination of the following high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness or its complications:

1. Pregnant women

2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old

3. People 50 years of age and older

4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Vaccination is also important for people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

1. Health care workers

2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from tho flu

3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)