Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH) has started offering seasonal flu shots at its immunization clinics and local health officials say this year’s vaccine is worth a second look from people who skipped it last time.
All three virus components in the 2026–27 flu vaccine were updated from last season, including a change made specifically to target an influenza A strain known as H3N2 subclade K. That strain spread widely across the country last winter after the previous season’s vaccine had already been formulated, which meant many people who were vaccinated still got sick.
“In a county our size, you are never more than a few steps from someone the flu could put in the hospital, such as a newborn, a grandparent, a neighbor going through treatment. Getting your shot is one of the simplest things you can do for the people around you,” said Brandi Larsen, Lakes Regional Healthcare Director of Population and Public Health.
Dickinson County Public Health holds immunization clinics on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:30 am and 1:00 to 5:30 pm, and on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. All immunizations, including flu shots, are given by appointment. To schedule, call 712-339-6050.
Flu shots are also available at area pharmacies and through Lakes Regional Family Medicine.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions. September and October are generally the best months to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks after the shot for the body to build protection, so getting vaccinated before flu starts circulating locally gives people the best coverage through the winter.
People who are pregnant, are 65 or older, or who live with a condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease face a higher risk of serious complications from flu and are encouraged to talk with their provider about which vaccine is right for them.
Dickinson County Public Health is located at Lakes Regional Healthcare, 2301 Highway 71 South, Spirit Lake. For more information about immunizations and other public health services, visit lakeshealth.org or call 712-339-6050.
