The publicly-funded (free) influenza vaccine will be offered in Saskatchewan beginning October 31 and is recommended to all residents six months of age and older. The free flu vaccine will be available through public health clinics across the province, at some physician and Nurse Practitioner offices, and from participating pharmacies.
“Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause serious illness and result in complications, hospitalization and even death,” said Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer.
“Getting a flu shot is especially important for people who are most at risk of serious illness from influenza — seniors, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions — and their caregivers.”
Only injectable vaccine will be offered in Saskatchewan through the publicly-funded influenza immunization program for 2016-17. The injectable vaccine provides protection against four different flu virus strains that are most likely to circulate in 2016-17.
For detailed information about flu clinic locations, dates and times, residents can check the Sun Country Health Region’s website; or call HealthLine 811.
For a list of pharmacies that provide the free flu shot, check the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website at www.skpharmacists.ca/patients/flu-shots. Pharmacists can only immunize adults and children nine years of age and older who have a valid Saskatchewan health card. Children under nine will need to be vaccinated at a public health clinic.
For more information on influenza immunization in Saskatchewan, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/flu. For information on influenza symptoms or when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca
