Submitted
The influenza vaccine is available to Saskatchewan residents today, Oct. 19. The Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging everyone to get their flu shot this season to help prevent the spread of influenza.
“Getting a flu shot provides double protection — for yourself and also for those close to you,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “It is a vaccine that is freely available, proven to be safe, and is particularly important this year during flu season as part of our ongoing efforts to mitigate the additional challenges to our provincial health care system from COVID-19. We encourage everyone to do their part to help keep Saskatchewan’s communities as healthy as possible.”
Flu shots are recommended for those at higher risk, including seniors, people with underlying chronic health conditions, children under five, and pregnant women. Seniors often have chronic health conditions (like heart or lung disease or diabetes) and weaker immune systems, which makes them particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza.
Flu shots will be available to residents at pharmacists, physicians, local public health offices and flu clinics. Please visit 4flu.ca for up-to-date information on where and when clinics will take place.
There will be modifications to where and how flu shots will be administered this year. To accommodate public health precautions due to COVID-19, there will be increased physical distancing and sanitization procedures.
For further information on influenza symptoms and when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca.
