With flu season imminent, drive-up flu vaccinations launch Tuesday at some COVID test sites
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This is typically the time of year flu season begins but, this year, COVID-19 might change the way you get a flu shot.
HealthPartners is changing some of its procedures to make it easier for patients to practice social distancing and to minimize contact. The organization is only booking flu shots by appointment to avoid walk-in traffic and large groups of people congregating in waiting rooms.
Patients can get an in-clinic flu shot or schedule a drive-up flu shot at many of the existing COVID-19 test locations by making an appointment.
"You don’t want to put yourself at risk of getting two respiratory illnesses when you can protect yourself against getting one of them," said Dr. Mark Sannes with HealthPartners.
"We are trying to accommodate the folks who might be reluctant to come into the clinic by adding the drive-up locations," he said.
FILE - In this April 14, 2020 file photo, a woman holds her hand out to have blood collected for COVID-19 antibodies at a drive-thru site in Hempstead, N.Y. Some organizations are scheduling drive-up options for the flu vaccine amid the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize contact with others.[AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File]
HealthPartners drive-up flu shots from 9/8–10/31:
- Offered at existing COVID-19 drive-up locations in Lakeville, Plymouth, Stillwater and White Bear Lake at specific times.
- Phone scheduling available now, online scheduling available Sept. 8.
Flu shot information by age:
- 0-2: In-clinic only.
- 2-12: Flu mist only.
- 13+: Age-appropriate options.
Clinic vaccination appointments can also be scheduled. There won’t be any walk-in options due to social distancing requirements. Costs depend on individual insurance plans.