Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Influenza vaccinations are now being offered at 49 schools in Olmsted County.  

This is the eighth year of the immunization program that is coordinated by Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health and area private and public schools. The vaccinations will be offered through October 19. Health officials say the immunizations are fast, easy and convenient for both parents and their children. All vaccines will be administered by Mayo Clinic or Olmsted Medical Center nurses.

“This is truly a group of organizations collaborating with all their robust resources and making the health of the community a priority,” says Leah Espinda-Brandt, Nurse Manager for Disease Prevention and Control at Olmsted County Public Health.

The vaccine will be billed directly to the child’s insurance and recorded in their electronic medical record. This year national experts are recommending that no one get the nasal spray flu vaccine. As a result, neither the school clinics nor local medical clinics will be offering the nasal spray as an option. Instead, the staff at the School-Located Immunization Program will offer non-medication pain-reducing topical coolant sprays and topical vibrating distraction proven to reduce the pain of injections.

Officials say everyone needs the influenza vaccination each year, especially children. Kids easily spread influenza in school settings and then carry the virus home to their families. Research has found that although a healthy adult has around a seven percent chance of getting influenza any given season, school kids have around a twenty percent chance each year.

To find out more information, which schools are participating, and to register a child, visit here.

 

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