Covid-19 vaccines

Public health officials are telling people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the end of October, so protection builds up before respiratory virus season peaks in the winter months. The advice applies broadly as both viruses circulate at the same time each year, and officials stress vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and hospital stays.

Essentia Health is running vaccine clinics ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season, offering shots as hospitals and clinics prepare for a rise in flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in the fall and winter months. The clinics give residents in the health system's service areas a chance to get vaccinated early, with health providers encouraging timely immunization before case numbers climb.