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Get Ready for Respiratory Virus Season
September 28, 2026
Respiratory illnesses can be much more than a seasonal inconvenience. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, more than 5,500 Minnesotans were hospitalized with influenza during the 2025–26 flu season, and 369 influenza-associated deaths were reported. As another respiratory virus season approaches, vaccination remains one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
“Vaccination helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death - especially among the very young, older adults, and people at higher risk,” said Dr. Rebecca Muwanse, Family Medicine Provider and Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Mille Lacs Health System. “By staying up to date, each of us can also help reduce the spread of illness and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
For flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual vaccination for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. We recommend waiting until October to receive your influenza vaccine when appropriate. Protection from the flu vaccine is generally strongest during the first several months after vaccination and gradually decreases over time. Vaccinating in October helps extend protection through the peak of flu season and into the early months of the new year, when we often see a second increase in influenza activity. This timing can help provide stronger protection across more of the flu season.
Fall is also a good time to review whether you are due for other recommended respiratory vaccines. COVID-19 vaccination recommendations depend on factors including age, health conditions and previous vaccination, with vaccination particularly important for those at increased risk of severe illness.
RSV vaccination is recommended for all adults age 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. This can include people with certain chronic heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems and other health conditions. Unlike the flu vaccine, RSV vaccination is not currently an annual vaccine.
Vaccination is also important for children and teens. Recommendations vary by age, and parents should talk with their child’s health care provider about which seasonal vaccinations are appropriate.
Along with vaccination, everyday precautions can help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses. Wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when you are sick. If you do become ill, antiviral treatments are available for influenza and COVID-19 and are most effective when started early, particularly for people at higher risk of complications.
Mille Lacs Health System Community Pharmacy locations in Onamia and Isle welcome walk-ins for adult flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations. Pharmacy vaccine hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. If you already have a clinic appointment scheduled, you can also ask about receiving recommended vaccinations during your visit.
Vaccinations for youth under age 18 are available in the clinic by nurse appointment. To schedule a clinic appointment, call 320-532-3154.
As respiratory virus season approaches, now is a good time to check whether you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccinations.