This blog was updated in December 2025.
It is that time of year again and kids may experience respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Are you wondering where and how to get vaccines related to these illnesses? Keep reading for additional information from Children’s Minnesota.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to keep kids from getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. Learn the best handwashing tips here.
Emergency care wait times
View Children’s Minnesota emergency department locations and current estimated wait times.What to do and where to go if your child has the flu, COVID or RSV
- If they are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- If your child is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, any emergency department – pediatric or adult – should be able to treat them effectively.
- For Children’s Minnesota emergency department locations and estimated wait times, go here.
- For mild symptoms, you can go to any urgent care or your primary care clinic for help managing symptoms.
- Learn more about Children’s Minnesota’s primary care clinics with same-day appointments and walk-in care options. Find out more here.
- If you aren’t sure what kind of care your child needs, call your child’s clinic to talk with a nurse for advice.
- Do not let wait times prevent you from seeking medical treatment if your child needs urgent or emergency care.
Emergency care
Two emergency rooms. All for kids. Expert pediatric care using the latest techniques.
When to seek medical attention
If your child has any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention:
- A fever in a child less than 1 month of age.
- For kids older than 1 month of age, a high fever that does not break with fever-reducing medications or fevers that continue to come back after fever-reducing medications wear off.
- Cough or other symptoms getting worse.
- Wheezing.
- Showing signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers than usual.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Drowsiness.
- Lips or fingernails looking blue.
Symptom checker
Does your child need an appointment, or can their symptoms be treated at home? Find out now with the Symptom Checker, available 24/7. Symptom Checker is a tool where you can enter the age, sex and symptoms of your child. The tool will let you know if you need to get care now, get help soon or care for your child at home.
Where to seek medical attention
Severe symptoms
If your child is experiencing severe symptoms (high fever, difficulty breathing, bluish skin color), call 9-1-1 or bring them to the nearest emergency room.
Mild symptoms
If your child is experiencing mild symptoms, you can treat them at home. You can also bring them to your primary care provider, or you can go to a Children’s Minnesota primary care clinic with same-day appointments and walk-in care options. Find out more here.
Mild symptoms can be treated at home
- Mild fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Encourage children to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Wear a mask and wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
Get vaccinated
Children’s Minnesota recommends you get your family vaccinated wherever possible. Visit or contact your local pharmacy or your primary care clinic. You can also check with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for vaccines near you here.
Vaccines at Children’s Minnesota
Here is information on the influenza, RSV and COVID vaccines at Children’s Minnesota.
Influenza (flu) vaccine
Current Children’s Minnesota primary care patients can schedule their flu shots at any Children’s Minnesota primary care clinic.
Children’s Minnesota offers influenza vaccines for parents or other family members of patients at our primary care clinics.
RSV treatment
The new RSV treatment, Beyfortus, is a one-time injection of antibodies so that babies and toddlers don’t have to create those antibodies when they get infected with RSV.
Children’s Minnesota primary care clinics offer the Beyfortus RSV vaccine for newborns and older infants. Call your child’s clinic to schedule an appointment.
COVID-19 vaccine
We are currently vaccinating primary care patients with a scheduled appointment.
