Local News

Flu vaccinations underway in Minot

First District Health Unit in Minot began its influenza immunization clinic on Oct. 5. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated an early flu season, with influenza activity across multiple states.

"Typically the flu numbers - that’s the number of people getting sick - peak around January and February," said Heatthyr Haugeberg, director of nursing at First District Health Unit. "This year, what they're seeing is that some states are starting to peak now in October, which is really a lot earlier than normal. So people are getting sick with influenza earlier in the season than they historically have."

While North Dakota has reported a low number of cases, health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated ahead of the peak winter and holiday months.

"We don't start vaccinating people until October, because we want to make sure that you are protected for the duration of the flu season," Haugeberg said. "The thing that I would want the general public to keep in mind is when you get your flu shot, it actually takes your body two full weeks to build up a full immune response to the flu shot.

"So, we wouldn't want people to come in the day before Thanksgiving, get their flu shot, and think that they're protected for turkey dinner the next day at 4 p.m. It doesn't work like that. You really have to think ahead in terms of your holiday plans or social gatherings. Make sure you give your body enough time to build up that immune response,” she said.

Since the clinic opened up at the beginning of the month, District Health reported vaccinating more than 800 residents.

"We have had a tremendous response here at First Direct Health Unit," Haugeberg said. "We kicked off our flu clinics October 5, and that first week through October 9, we had 850 people come through our doors for either a flu or a COVID vaccine, which is incredible. That doesn't count the people that we're vaccinating at our local schools or businesses within our community or long-term facilities. Those numbers would be on top of that 850, so our response has been incredible this season."

Building a timely immunization for the flu season is important in remaining healthy, according to Haugeberg. She also said it is just as important to keep in mind that the vaccination protects vulnerable community members.

"You just want to make sure that your body is able to build that full immune response. That is the number one thing," Haugeberg said. "I always think about, yes, I'm protecting myself when I get the flu shot, but I'm also protecting the vulnerable population that’s around me. That would be the elderly, those who have weakened immune systems, maybe someone going through cancer treatment and you just never know who you're standing next to at the grocery store. I want to protect everybody that I can."

Haugeberg later explained, "As we age our immune systems start to weaken. We have an immune system that maybe isn't functioning as well as it might have previously. I also think about babies. Babies can’t get a flu shot until they're six months old. That's where it's important that someone like you or I get a flu shot that is going to protect us and those who might be in a more vulnerable state."

Haugeberg said one common misconception about receiving the flu vaccination is that it can cause sickness. She said while some people may experience some side effects, they are generally short-lived.

"Yes, after the flu shot your arm might be a bit stiff and sore. Some people do get a low grade fever and feel crummy for 12-18 hours afterwards, but generally speaking, most people do really well,” she said.

"I always tell people, stay away from Google. There's a lot of misinformation on the internet, especially if you don't know what site is reputable and which one isn't. I would really recommend that people either talk to their primary care provider or give us a call. We have nurses available to talk to you one on one about your specific health concerns or questions about vaccines,” she continued.

To schedule a flu shot, First District Health Unit recommends calling 852-1376 or visit its website at fdhu.org.

"We're still going to be taking walk-ins through November and December," Haugeberg said. "If you do walk in here, just understand there might be a wait. If you want to give us a call, you certainly can get your appointment scheduled. When you first arrive, there’s a little bit of paperwork, just like any other clinic, and then very quickly a nurse will be with you and you can get your flu shot and get out the door. We make it really as seamless as we can."