School vaccinations begin in Southeast Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shared that as of Thursday there have been 274 influenza outbreaks in schools.

Official response and confirmed impact

Running through Oc.t 9, school vaccination clinics have begun in Olmsted County, Hayfield, Kasson-Mantorville, Triton Public Schools in Dodge County, and Pine Island Public Schools.

In August, Olmsted County announced its partnership with Olmsted Medical Center (OMC), Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted, Goodhue, and Dodge counties public health departments to bring immunizations to public and private schools in the areas.

Immunizations are available in both shot and nasal spray forms. For uninsured or underinsured people, there are appointments available at reduced or no costs.

Though parents may still receive a bill with an administration fee, they can contact the patient account services for their clinic if they cannot pay the fee.

They can reach OMC at 507-288-3443 and Mayo Clinic at 1-844-217-9591.

Olmsted County Public Health is currently unable to provide an estimate of how many children have received the vaccine, as school immunizations are still ongoing.