Flu vaccines are now available at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Flu vaccine clinics have been scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Oct. 3, on the fourth floor of the clinic. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 379-2041.

To schedule an appointment to receive the flu vaccine outside of these clinic dates, you must make an appointment by calling 379-2041. If you already have an appointment scheduled with your regular health care provider, you can ask to receive the flu vaccine at that time. Flu vaccine is also available at Express Care, located within Albert Lea’s Hy-Vee, for those 18 years of age and older.

No appointment is necessary at Express Care. Flu vaccine is covered by most insurance.

Other Mayo Clinic Health System location flu vaccine clinic dates include:

• Mayo Clinic Health System in Alden: 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 16; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 25; and 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 30. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 507-874-3140.

• Mayo Clinic Health System in Kiester: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 507-294-3693.

• Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake Mills: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 641-592-2361.

• Mayo Clinic Health System in New Richland: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 7, and 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 9. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 507-465-3216.

• Mayo Clinic Health System in Wells: 1:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 507-553-6341.

Getting immunized is the single best way to help stop the spread of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine unless they have a valid contraindication. Children younger than nine require two doses of the flu vaccine one month apart, if it’s the first time they’ve been vaccinated for the flu.

For more information on influenza and the different types of flu vaccine available please call the hospital’s flu information phone line at 379-2211 or go to mayoclinichealthsystem.org.