Sanford Bemidji offers additional vaccination events during October

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Due to high demand, Sanford Health is offering additional vaccination events during October at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne Street Clinic to get the seasonal influenza (flu) and/or COVID-19 vaccinations (booster doses included). Events will be available at the following dates and times:

• Saturday, Oct. 9 – 8 a.m.-Noon

• Saturday, Oct. 16 – 8 a.m.-Noon

• Saturday, Oct. 23 – 8 a.m.-Noon

• Saturday, Oct. 30 – 8 a.m.-Noon

Patients must make an appointment by going to My Sanford Chart or by calling (877) 701-0779 and select option #1.

Following the same process, those who are eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine may schedule their vaccination appointment during any of these vaccine events in October or through a separate appointment with their provider.

Booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are available at Sanford Health to those who received their first two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago AND meet at least one of the following criteria from the CDC:

1. People 65 years and older

2. Residents in long-term care settings

3. People aged 18-64 years with any of the following underlying medical conditions:

o Cancer

o Chronic lung diseases

o Dementia or other neurological conditions

o Diabetes (type 1 and 2)

o Down syndrome

o Heart conditions

o HIV infection

o Immunocompromised state

o Liver disease

o Overweight and obesity

o Pregnancy

o Sickle cell disease or thalassemia

o Current or former smoker

o Solid organ or blood cell transplant

o Stroke or cerebrovascular disease

o Substance use disorders

4. People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting

The nasal mist flu vaccine will not be available at the vaccination events. Patients will be asked to wear facemasks. If you don’t have a face mask, Sanford will provide one for you.

Patients may also be offered the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during regular office visits at select clinics. To see if either vaccine is available during their regular office visit, patients can ask their clinic or provider when scheduling their appointment. Patients are able to conveniently schedule an appointment for regular visits 24/7 by going to My Sanford Chart or by calling the clinic during the clinic’s operating hours.

For more information on how to get a flu shot, visit SanfordHealth.org/Flu.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to get one, visit https://www.sanfordhealth.org/conditions-diseases/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/vaccine.

Who should receive a flu shot?

Everyone ages six months and older should get a flu vaccination annually to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting it to others. Certain groups are at higher risk and are strongly recommended to receive the vaccination:

• All children ages six months and older, unless advised otherwise by your physician

• Pregnant women and anyone who becomes pregnant during the flu season

• People 50 years and older

• Adults and children with certain chronic conditions

To prevent transmission to high-risk populations, vaccination is also recommended for:

• Health care workers

• Caregivers of children less than six months of age and adults over age 50

• Adults and children who live with children less than six months of age

• Adults and children who live with or care for persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza

Additional information:

• If applicable, patients need to bring their insurance card to the flu vaccine clinic events.

• If you have a doctor’s appointment scheduled, ask to get a flu vaccine during your appointment.

• Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Hand washing is a key to reducing your risk.

• For more information about flu or flu vaccination, visit the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/FLU/.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and 10 countries. Learn more about Sanford Health's transformative work to improve the human condition at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.