Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Lorna Benson

Flu for the holidays? There's still time to get vaccinated

Flu vaccine
Medical assistant Lim Ros gives Joe Jacobs a flu shot at Central Pediatrics in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 25, 2011.
Nikki Tundel / MPR News 2011

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against the flu this week so they have some protection against the virus in time for the holidays.

The advice comes at the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs through Saturday.

Flu cases are increasing rapidly in several areas of the state.

• Flu season: What you need to know

"It generally takes about two weeks from after you get the vaccine to get the most protection from it," Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Karen Martin said. "So the earlier the better, but I wouldn't put an end date on it. It's never too late to get your immunization."

One of the influenza-A strains circulating this season has evolved, and it no longer matches the flu vaccine. Health officials still recommend the vaccine because it protects against several other strains of flu, and it could still offer some protection against the mutated strain.