Fargo Cass Public Health announces seven fall flu shot clinics as new respiratory virus season begins

Fargo, North Dakota – Fargo Cass Public Health is encouraging residents to prepare for the 2026 respiratory virus season by making sure they are up to date on recommended seasonal vaccines, including those for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

Health officials are placing particular attention on the annual flu vaccine as fall approaches. Influenza can range from a relatively mild illness to a serious infection requiring hospital treatment, and it can sometimes result in death. The virus affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and, in some cases, the lungs.

FCPH officials say receiving a flu vaccine every year remains the most important step people can take to reduce their risk of influenza and serious complications from the illness.

Cheryl Wavrin, FCPH Immunization Coordinator, stressed that vaccination is particularly important for people who face a greater chance of developing serious illness.

“For people at higher risk, getting the flu vaccine each year is especially important. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect not only you, but also members of our community who may not be able to be vaccinated.”

North Dakota recorded nearly 13,800 flu cases last season

FCPH pointed to the impact of influenza during the 2025 to 2026 season as officials urged residents not to dismiss the illness as simply a minor seasonal problem.

North Dakota recorded 13,799 reported influenza cases during that season. There were also 29 reported deaths associated with influenza across the state, including four deaths involving children.

Cass County accounted for more than 2,500 of the reported cases and seven deaths.

FCPH Health Officer Tim Mahoney said the figures demonstrate how serious influenza can become for people across different age groups.

“Influenza had a significant impact in our community last year. In Cass County alone, more than 2,500 influenza cases were reported, along with seven deaths. These numbers remind us that influenza is more than just an inconvenient seasonal illness; it can have serious consequences for people of all ages. As we head into a new respiratory virus season, I encourage everyone to talk with their health care provider about which vaccines are recommended for them. Take that important step to protect your own health and the health of those around you.”

Fargo Mayor Josh Boschee also encouraged residents to consider getting vaccinated as the community enters the fall season. He pointed to the opportunities available through FCPH as a way of making health services easier to access.

“We’re fortunate to have Fargo Cass Public Health providing opportunities throughout our community to make it more convenient for people to take care of their health. I’ll be getting my flu shot on September 14, and I’d encourage others to consider doing the same as we head into the fall by reaching out to their healthcare provider or local pharmacy.”

Seven walk in flu clinics scheduled for fall

FCPH plans to hold seven flu vaccination clinics across the area during September and October. Every clinic will accept walk-ins, meaning residents will not need to make an appointment beforehand.

The clinics are open to anyone who is at least 6 months old.

The first clinic is scheduled for Friday, September 25, from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Rustad Center, located at 601 26th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

A second clinic will be held Wednesday, September 30, from 1:15 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Grandin Fire Hall, 220 Clement Ave. in Grandin.

On Friday, October 9, vaccinations will be available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Fargo Parks Sports Center, 6100 38th St. S. in Fargo.

The next clinic will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Harwood City Hall, 108 Main St. in Harwood.

Another clinic is planned for Tuesday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Fargo Public Library, located at 215 3rd St. E.

FCPH will also hold two special “Flu Shot Friday” events.

The first will take place Friday, October 23, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Arena, 1201 7th Ave. E. in West Fargo. The second is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the FCPH main building, located at 1240 25th St. S. in Fargo.

Both standard seasonal flu vaccines and high dose flu vaccines will be available.

People attending one of the clinics are asked to bring their Medicare or health insurance information. Lack of insurance, however, does not necessarily prevent someone from receiving a vaccine. FCPH said uninsured individuals may qualify for a flu shot through the Vaccine for Children or Vaccine for Adults programs.

As the new respiratory virus season gets underway, health officials are also reminding residents to speak with their health care providers about which seasonal vaccines are appropriate for them, including vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV.

With thousands of influenza cases reported in North Dakota last season and seven deaths recorded in Cass County alone, FCPH is urging residents to consider vaccination as an important way to protect themselves, their families and other people in the community who may be particularly vulnerable to serious illness.