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Waseca County Public Health: winter flu season is coming, get vaccinated now

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 16:11 GMT by Southern Minn
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Waseca County Public Health Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated Ahead of Winter Flu Season

As the first frost edges across the Midwest, Waseca County’s public health officials are sounding the alarm: the winter influenza season is fast approaching, and vaccination remains the most effective defense. A recent announcement from the county’s health department—published on the Waseca County News website—outlines the seriousness of the upcoming flu wave, explains who should get vaccinated, and provides practical guidance for residents looking to secure a dose before the cold weather settles in.

The Flu Threat in 2024‑25

According to the county’s announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that the 2024‑25 influenza season will feature a mix of H3N2, H1N1, and influenza B strains, with a particularly high circulation of the H3N2 subtype in northern regions. While all age groups can catch the flu, certain populations are at elevated risk for severe complications:

• Children under five years – the youngest children have weaker immune systems and may need a two-dose series.
• Older adults (65+ years) – age-related immune decline heightens risk for hospitalization and death.
• Pregnant women – hormonal changes reduce immune response, increasing susceptibility.
• People with chronic health conditions – asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and immunocompromised states amplify danger.

The county health bulletin emphasizes that even healthy adults can experience significant illness, including high fevers, chills, body aches, and respiratory symptoms that can linger for a week or more. In severe cases, the flu can progress to pneumonia, organ failure, and other life‑threatening complications.

Vaccine Options and Recommendations

Waseca County officials underscore that the safest, most reliable protection comes from the seasonal flu vaccine. The county’s health department recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive the vaccine, except for those with severe allergic reactions to egg protein or vaccine components. The recommended vaccines include:

• Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) – the standard flu shot, available at most pharmacies and health clinics.
• Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) – egg‑free and a good alternative for people with egg allergies.
• Adjuvanted influenza vaccine (aIIV) – contains an immune‑stimulating additive and is preferred for adults 65 and older.

The announcement highlights that the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends the recombinant vaccine for people who are allergic to eggs, making it a safer option for many residents.

How to Get Vaccinated

The Waseca County public health bulletin lists several convenient vaccination sites:

The bulletin urges residents to call ahead to confirm availability, as some sites may have limited vaccine supplies due to the ongoing national shortages. For those who prefer a walk‑in, many pharmacies have posted “free flu shot” days on the county website.

Residents can also schedule appointments online via the county’s health portal, which provides a simple calendar and appointment reminders. For those without internet access, a phone line is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help schedule vaccinations.

Cost and Eligibility

The county public health statement reiterates that the influenza vaccine is free for all individuals who qualify under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines:

• Medicare beneficiaries – always covered.
• Medicaid recipients – covered at no cost.
• Uninsured individuals – many local providers offer the vaccine free of charge or at a nominal fee.
• Children under 18 – covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or community health clinics.

For residents who qualify but are uninsured, the bulletin offers a list of community health centers that can administer the vaccine at no charge, with appointment booking information included.

Additional Resources

The article links to several authoritative sources that provide deeper insight into flu prevention and vaccination:

1. CDC Flu Vaccine Advisory – A PDF detailing vaccine safety, efficacy, and specific guidelines for high‑risk groups.
2. Minnesota Department of Health Flu Update – A weekly update on flu activity across the state, including hospitalization rates and lab-confirmed case counts.
3. Waseca County Health Department Website – Contains detailed FAQs, vaccination schedules, and contact information for health officers.
4. “Get Vaccinated” Campaign Video – An easy‑to‑watch short that explains why the flu shot is essential for community immunity, featuring local health workers and testimonials from residents who received the vaccine last year.

The CDC link (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flu-vaccine.html) is particularly useful for those wanting to read the full vaccination guidelines, while the Minnesota Department of Health page (https://www.health.state.mn.us/health/flu/) offers real‑time data on flu prevalence in Waseca County and neighboring regions.

A Call to Action

The health bulletin closes with a powerful reminder from County Health Director Dr. Emily Hartman: “The flu is a serious threat, especially in a region where winters can be brutal. Vaccination is the single most effective measure to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. We urge everyone to schedule a flu shot as soon as possible. Prevention is better than cure.”

Dr. Hartman also highlights that the county is launching a “Flu‑Free Waseca” initiative, which will monitor vaccination rates and provide additional outreach to schools, workplaces, and senior centers to ensure high coverage.

The Bottom Line

As winter approaches, Waseca County residents face a clear and urgent public health message: get vaccinated. The county’s health department has provided a comprehensive plan, from explaining why the flu matters to showing exactly where and how to get the shot. Whether you are a parent with young children, a senior living in a nursing home, a pregnant woman, or simply a healthy adult who wants to protect your loved ones, the flu vaccine is the safest and most accessible tool to keep illness at bay.

The message is clear: the next flu season could bring serious complications, but with vaccination, you can help keep your community safe, healthy, and resilient. Check the county’s website, call your local pharmacy or health center, and schedule your flu shot today. The public health department is ready to help you—and your neighbors—stay healthy all winter long.