Midwest Flu Clinics Offer Low‑Cost Vaccinations in October

Multiple community flu clinics are being offered across the Midwest this month, providing low- or no-cost vaccination opportunities via drive‑through, walk‑in and appointment-based formats. In Des Plaines, State Sen. Laura Murphy and Ascension Holy Family will host a free flu shot event for adults 18+ at the Des Plaines Public Library on Oct. 14. The Flathead City‑County Health Department will hold its annual clinic at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Oct. 8 for everyone 6 months and older, accepting most insurances and ensuring no child is refused for inability to pay. The Eau Claire City–County Health Department and NorthLakes Community Clinic will offer no-cost flu vaccines (including high-dose) at clinics in Altoona (Oct. 21, appointment-only drive-through), Eau Claire (Oct. 22) and Fall Creek; insured adults should bring insurance cards while uninsured adults and children 18 and under receive vaccines free. In Rochester and Winona, Olmsted Medical Center and Winona Health are running drive‑thru and in‑facility flu clinics through late October with flexible hours and no appointment required; patients should bring insurance information when applicable.