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Trinity Health will offer flu shots on a walk-in basis and by appointment at several of its Minot clinics starting in mid-October. The vaccine will also be available at Trinity’s rural health clinics.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the most important step to protect oneself against the flu.

Infectious Disease Specialist Casmiar Nwaigwe, MD, says this year’s influenza vaccines have been updated to better match viruses expected to be circulating in the U.S. But regardless of how well-matched they are, a flu shot is worthwhile.

“It’s always a bit of a guessing game, and you’re never going to achieve a 100% match,” Dr. Nwaigwe said. “But even when the match isn’t perfect, it still offers protection.  If you do get sick it’s likely to be less severe and not last as long.”

Dr. Nwaigwe recommends getting a shot as soon as vaccine is available. “It takes about two-weeks to reach maximum protection so rather than play catchup I would get a flu shot early and not wait until there is high flu activity,” he said.

Walk-in sites for adult flu shots are FirstCare Walk-In Clinic at Health Center – Medical Arts, M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Trinity Health South Ridge, M-Th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to noon; and Health Center – Town & Country, Suite 104, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition, pediatric flu shot clinics will be held October 26, November 9, November 23, and December 14 on the third floor of Health Center – Medical Arts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary.  Flu shots for adults and children are available by appointment from any Trinity Health primary care provider.