CentraCare Offering Options for Flu Shots

(KNSI) — Ahead of flu season, CentraCare is rolling out a plan to get people to roll up their sleeves to get their flu shot.

CentraCare has made available dedicated clinics and drive-thru flu shot clinics. Those looking to get one can also make an appointment and go through their healthcare provider.

This year, CentraCare is introducing Fluad, a specialized influenza vaccine for patients aged 65 and older. The Fluad Quadrivalent vaccine contains an adjuvant to boost and prolong the immune response. Patients won’t need a separate Fluad-specific appointment. They would need to contact CentraCare for scheduling.

For pediatric patients between the ages of 2 and 18, CentraCare will have a limited supply of FluMist Quadrivalent nasal spray available. It will be administered in clinics at select locations.

The vaccine is adjusted each flu season to safeguard against the specific influenza strains expected to be prevalent. After getting a shot, it takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop the necessary immunity against the influenza virus.

Influenza activity typically picks up starting in October.

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