As winter approaches, seasonal viruses will start spiking. The good news? Respiratory illness activity has yet to ramp up and remains relatively low across the United States. The bad news? That will change as the winter months approach and illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will become more prevalent.
As winter approaches, seasonal viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV will start spiking. The good news? Respiratory illness activity has yet to ramp up and remains relatively low across the United States. The bad news? That will change as the winter months approach and illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) become more prevalent.
That means there is no better time than the present to get vaccinated and reduce your risk for severe respiratory illness. Vaccines are the safest and surest way to keep yourself and loved ones healthy.
Here’s more information about vaccinating against respiratory virus illnesses, which in 2024 caused at least one million people to be hospitalized in the U.S. and more than 70,000 people to die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
COVID-19
Essentia Health is offering COVID-19 vaccine to patients 6 months of age and older (no prescription required). Patients can receive the vaccine during regular clinic visits, just like any other vaccine. If they do not have an upcoming appointment, they can choose which location (clinic or pharmacy) is most convenient and schedule a vaccine-specific visit. Essentia will provide a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to all those seeking COVID-19 vaccination. The VIS outlines the benefits and risks of vaccination. If patients have further questions, they should contact their provider. Visit the Essentia website to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
INFLUENZA
Flu vaccines are available for people 6 months of age and older, including high-dose options for people aged 65 and up. Visit the Essentia website for a list of upcoming walk-in flu shot opportunities. In addition to walk-in clinics, you can schedule a flu shot through your MyChart account, at an Essentia pharmacy, online at EssentiaHealth.org/flu or by calling our toll-free number at (844) 663-1068. You also can request a flu shot during an upcoming appointment.
RSV
Essentia once again will offer RSV immunization options for both children and adults. Because almost every child is exposed to RSV by the time they turn 2 — the virus is the No. 1 cause of hospitalizations for children under 1 year old — infants should be immunized during their first RSV season (October through March). RSV vaccines also are available to protect older adults.
Please note that Essentia clinics administer vaccines to patients 6 months old and above, while Essentia pharmacies administer vaccines to patients at least 6 years old. Remember to wear short sleeves for easy administration.
For questions about insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider.
The Vaccines for Children program provides free to low-cost vaccines for children who are American Indian, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or underinsured.
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