Essentia Health offering flu vaccine - Brainerd Lakes, MN

Essentia Health is offering flu shots to the community in a variety of ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year might be the most important year for a flu shot ever,” explains Dr. Aaron Phillipps, an infectious disease specialist at Essentia Health. “Cold weather pushes us indoors and the close quarters allow for easier person-to-person transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19. An outbreak of illness can over fill and overtax our hospitals. We have a vaccine against the flu that can help keep our cases down and keep our hospital beds available when they are needed.”

Dr. Phillipps also says, “the vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and if you don’t have the flu, you have no risk of transmission to others that may not have the ability to fight off a serious infection.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for people six months and older, including people with compromised immune systems and chronic medical conditions. Flu vaccinations are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.

Please note, you will need to wear a mask into the facility and go through the screening process. Thank you for your cooperation.

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Brainerd Clinic
October 3, 10, 17 & 24
9:00 am-12:00 pm

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Pine River Clinic
October 10 & 24
9:00 am-12:00 pm

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Pequot Lakes Clinic
October 3, 10 & 24
9:00 am-12:00 pm

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Crosslake Clinic
October 3, 10 & 24
9:00 am-12:00 pm

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Pierz Clinic
1st and 3rd Tuesdays in October & November by appointment
Call 320-468-2587 to schedule a 10-minute appointment

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s - Pillager Clinic
Mondays between 9am-4pm by appointment
Call 218-746-4527 to schedule an appointment

All Essentia Health Clinics
You can request a flu shot during any upcoming clinic visit.

Essentia Health Pharmacies
Essentia Health pharmacies are now offering flu shots to people ages 6 and older.

For general information about the upcoming influenza season, you can visit the CDC’s resources online at cdc.gov/flu. You can learn about all the flu shot opportunities by visiting EssentiaHealth.org/flu.