Counties’ collaborative school-located immunization program
It’s advised that everyone six months and older receive the influenza vaccine each year, especially children. Children easily spread influenza in school and then carry it home to their families. Research finds that although a healthy adult has around a 7% chance of getting influenza any given season, school kids have around a 20% chance.
Olmsted Medical Center (OMC), Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Dodge County Public Health, Goodhue County Public Health, and area private and public schools have once again teamed up to offer influenza vaccinations at most schools in Olmsted County, Hayfield, Kasson-Mantorville, and Triton Public Schools in Dodge County, and Pine Island Public Schools. These immunizations will take place September 16 through October 11, 2024.
“Ensuring our children are vaccinated against influenza not only prevents illness but also promotes a healthy learning environment,” said OCPHS Disease Prevention and Control Nurse Manager Leah Espinda-Brandt. “We take pride in working together with our partners to help students focus on learning and school activities and to keep families healthy.”
"We are thrilled to join OMC, Mayo Clinic, and our fellow county public health agencies in this collaborative effort," said Dodge County Public Health Director Amy Evans. "By offering influenza vaccinations at multiples schools, we will be safeguarding the health and well-being of our students, families, and the broader community this flu season."
School-located vaccines are fast, easy, and convenient for parents and children to keep influenza out of the classroom. Mayo Clinic and OMC nurses will administer the flu vaccine to children in the schools. The flu vaccine is the same as the one given in clinics and will be offered as a shot or as a nasal spray (FluMist®) as available. The cost of the vaccine will be billed directly to the child's insurance and recorded in the child's electronic medical record.
Nursing staff will offer non-medication, pain-reducing topical coolant sprays and other distractions that reduce pain when children receive the influenza shot.
"Parents love the school influenza immunization program! The children find support from their classmates and don't miss school to get the vaccine they need," noted Mayo Clinic Primary Care in Southeast Minnesota Immunization Program Medical Director Robert M. Jacobson, M.D.
"Olmsted Medical Center is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community, especially our youth,” said OMC Primary Care Division Clinical Services Director Carrie Kranz. “By collaborating with our regional partners, we are ensuring students have easy access to the crucial influenza vaccine. We are proud to be a part of this program and encourage all parents to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to safeguard their children’s health this flu season."
Registration is required to receive the flu vaccine. Online registration begins August 7, 2024, and parents can register their children until September 11, 2024. Online registration is preferred; however, paper forms are available at schools. Registration forms must be submitted by 11 p.m. on September 11, 2024.
For more information, including the list of participating schools and registration details, visit the Southeast Minnesota Immunization Connection website.