The number of flu cases is ebbing and flowing in Mower County, according to Health Director Lisa Kocer.

Kocer updated the county board Tuesday on the illness that has killed at least 60 and hospitalized hundreds in Minnesota.

The number of people seeking care at the medical center spiked near the holidays but was on a downswing a few weeks ago. Again, the tide is changing.

“Now it’s busy again,” she said.

Since the flu season typically lasts until March, Kocer said it’s not too late for people to get vaccinated. Other counties have reported shortages of the flu vaccine, but Public Health and the medical center still have enough, according to Kocer.

The vaccine takes about 10 to 14 days to take effect, and the current vaccine has a 60 percent effectiveness rate, according to Kocer.

The county board also approved increasing the cost for vaccines in Public Health from about $14 to $21.

The county hosts weekly immunization clinics every Thursday.