Counties’ collaborative school-located immunization program

It’s advised that everyone six months and older receive the influenza (flu) vaccine each year, especially children. Children often spread influenza at school and bring it home to their families. Research shows that about 7% of healthy adults get influenza during a typical flu season. For school-aged children, the rate is higher—around 20%, or 1 in 5.   
 
Olmsted Medical Center (OMC), Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Dodge County Public Health, Goodhue County Public Health, and area private and public schools are partnering again to offer influenza vaccinations at most schools in Olmsted County, Hayfield, Kasson-Mantorville, and Triton Public Schools in Dodge County, and Pine Island Public Schools. These immunizations will take place September 15 through October 10, 2025.  

“Getting children vaccinated against the flu helps prevent illness and supports a healthier school environment,” said Leah Espinda-Brandt, Disease Prevention and Control Nurse Manager at OCPHS. “We’re proud to partner to bring vaccinations to schools and help families and students stay healthy, in school, and focused on learning.” 

"We are proud to join OMC, Mayo Clinic, and our fellow county public health agencies in this collaborative effort," said Dodge County Public Health Director Amy Evans. "By offering influenza vaccinations at multiple schools, we will be safeguarding the health and well-being of our students, families, and the broader community this flu season." 

School-located vaccines are fast, easy, and convenient for parents and children to keep influenza out of the classroom. Mayo Clinic and OMC nurses will administer the flu vaccine to children in the schools. The flu vaccine is the same as the one given in clinics and will be offered as a shot or as a nasal spray (FluMist®) as available. The cost of the vaccine will be billed directly to the child's insurance and recorded in the child's electronic medical record. 

Nursing staff will offer non-medication, pain-reducing topical coolant sprays and other distractions that reduce pain when children receive the influenza shot. 

"Parents love the school influenza immunization program! The children find support from their classmates and don't miss school to get the vaccine they need," noted Robert M. Jacobson, M.D., Medical Director for the Mayo Clinic Primary Care in Rochester/ Kasson and Southeast Minnesota Immunization Program. 

"Olmsted Medical Center is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community, especially our youth,” said OMC Primary Care Division Clinical Services Director Carrie Kranz. “By collaborating with our regional partners, we are ensuring students have easy access to the crucial influenza vaccine. We are proud to be a part of this program and encourage all parents to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to safeguard their children’s health this flu season." 

Registration is required to receive the flu vaccine. Online registration is open and parents can register their children until September 10, 2025. Online registration is preferred; however, paper forms are available at school offices for those who are unable to register online. Registration forms must be submitted online or in person by 11 p.m. on September 10, 2025. 

For more information on School Immunization Clinics, including the list of participating schools and registration details, visit the Southeast Minnesota Immunization Connection website.