Health Officials Urge Flu Shots Before Thanksgiving
Minnesota has recorded more than 160 flu hospitalizations since early October, prompting a push for vaccination ahead of holiday travel.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Safety
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Health officials are urging Minnesotans to get a flu vaccine before Thanksgiving travel. The Minnesota Department of Health has recorded more than 160 flu hospitalizations since the flu season began in early October.
Why it matters
Holiday gatherings and travel expose people to other travelers at airports, on planes, and at train stations, which can spread flu to family members and people with weaker immune systems. Vaccination ahead of those gatherings is intended to lessen symptoms if illness is contracted.
The Minnesota Department of Health has counted more than 160 flu hospitalizations since early October, though the source gives no comparison to earlier seasons. It is not stated how many of those hospitalized had received a flu vaccine.
The players
Minnesota Department of Health
The state agency responsible for public health monitoring and disease reporting across Minnesota, which tracks flu hospitalizations and issues vaccination guidance.
The details
Officials say a flu vaccine begins acting on the immune system immediately but takes about two weeks to build a full immune response, so timing matters before travel. Common side effects include slight pain at the injection site and fatigue lasting about a day. The vaccine does not make a person invincible but is expected to lessen symptoms if the flu is contracted.
Timeline
Early October: Minnesota's flu season began, and hospitalizations have been counted from that point.
Two weeks before Thanksgiving: The recommended window to receive a flu shot so immunity can develop in time.
Thanksgiving: Holiday travel increases flu exposure risk.
Seasonal Patterns
The Minnesota Department of Health's running count of more than 160 hospitalizations since early October places this season within the state's ongoing flu surveillance reporting. The advisory arrives as the state's seasonal flu window moves into the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
Residents planning Thanksgiving travel or gatherings can schedule a flu shot roughly two weeks beforehand so immunity has time to develop. Those around family members or people with weak immune systems may consider vaccination as an added layer of protection.
The takeaway
Getting a flu shot about two weeks before Thanksgiving gives the immune system time to respond before holiday travel and gatherings begin. The vaccine will not prevent every infection, but it is expected to reduce symptoms if flu is contracted.
Further reading
For more on staying protected during seasonal outbreaks, see Safety coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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Do you plan to get a flu shot before your Thanksgiving travel?
