What to know about COVID-19 and flu vaccines in Minnesota this fall
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As respiratory virus season approaches, Minnesota clinics and pharmacies are offering updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccines. But changing federal guidance has left some people uncertain about who should get vaccinated when.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved four updated COVID-19 vaccines in late August to target the latest circulating variants. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, has not issued new federal recommendations specifying who should get the shot. Instead, the agency is advising people to discuss COVID-19 vaccination with their healthcare provider.
Conversely, major medical groups, as well as health officials from Children’s Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health, continue to recommend vaccination for most people.
Health officials say vaccines are considered safe and remain the most effective tool for reducing the risk of severe illness and protecting those who are more vulnerable to respiratory viruses.
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Here’s what Minnesotans should know about COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall:
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that all adults age 19 and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2026-27 season. Vaccination is especially encouraged for pregnant people, young children, adults 65 and older and people at higher risk of severe illness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children ages 6 through 23 months.
Although many children who contract COVID-19 experience mild illness, health officials caution that the virus can sometimes cause serious complications, including heart inflammation, respiratory complications and long COVID.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older.
Adults 65 and older are encouraged to ask their health care provider about enhanced flu vaccine options, which are designed to produce a stronger immune response in people whose immune systems may not respond as strongly to standard vaccines.
When should people get vaccinated?
COVID-19 activity, including hospitalizations, remains relatively low nationally but has begun to increase, a pattern commonly seen in late summer and early fall.
Health officials expect COVID-19, influenza and RSV to circulate this fall and winter, with respiratory virus activity generally increasing after the holidays.
“Now is actually a really great time to get vaccinated before it's circulating and before we see that increase,” said Kate Kelly, Vaccines for Children program coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health.
Kelly said updated COVID-19 vaccines are arriving at Minnesota clinics and pharmacies. She advises residents to call ahead to confirm availability and consult with their healthcare provider or their child’s pediatrician about which vaccines are appropriate.
Influenza follows a more predictable seasonal pattern compared to COVID-19, which can circulate throughout the year. Kelly recommends that adults get a flu shot in October to extend protection through the peak of flu season, but she said it is never too late to get vaccinated.
Minnesota health officials typically see flu cases peak in January and February, so Kelly suggests that people who have not been vaccinated in October should still consider getting a flu shot in November or December.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that children ages 8 and younger who may need two doses of the flu vaccine get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
It takes around two to four weeks for the body to build an immune response after vaccination, according to Dr. Gigi Chawla of Children’s Minnesota.
Chawla said vaccination helps protect individuals from illness while also protecting people in the community who are too young to be vaccinated or have health conditions that prevent them from receiving vaccines.
She added that vaccination helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and said people who are sick should also stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others in the community.
Where can Minnesotans get a COVID-19 or flu vaccine?
Vaccines are readily available at Minnesota pharmacies, healthcare clinics and local health departments.
Pharmacies typically cannot vaccinate children under 3, so health officials say parents of young children should consult their primary care provider about vaccinations.
Most insurance plans cover the full cost of recommended vaccines. For adults age 19 and older who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines, there are clinics that serve uninsured and underinsured adults. For patients younger than 19 who do not have health insurance, the Vaccines for Children Program provides flu shots at no cost.
