Saskatchewan residents are now able to receive the influenza vaccine beginning today, and the Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging everyone to receive their flu shot to help curb the spread of the flu this fall.
Residents can receive their flu shots during scheduled flu clinics, which will be operating differently this year to follow health precautions in place due to COVID-19.
Flu shots will be available from some pharmacies, physician offices, and by appointment at public health offices, which will all follow increased sanitation and physical distancing procedures.
In Moose Jaw, upcoming flu clinics will take place at the Western Development Museum beginning on Oct. 23 and running until Nov. 20, after which the vaccine will be available by contacting the local public health office.
Flu clinics are operating on an appointment-only basis this year due to COVID-19 precautions, with more information available by calling 1 (877) 327-0604.
Pharmacies offering the vaccine are also requiring residents to book an appointment to receive a flu shot this year, and public health is reminding parents that children under the age of five must receive their flu shot from a public health clinic or office.
Select pharmacists can also administer the flu shot in resident’s homes, by request, and more information can be found by contacting pharmacists directly. There are 12 different pharmacies in Moose Jaw offering the flu shot this year.
The vaccine is available to anyone over the age of six months and public health is especially encouraging residents who are at a higher risk to receive the vaccine this year, including seniors, individuals with chronic health conditions, children under age five and pregnant women.
“Getting a flu shot provides double protection — for yourself and also for those close to you,” said Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, in a press release. “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.”
The 2019-20 influenza report for Saskatchewan said there were 2,547 cases of influenza in the province last year.
For more information on the influenza vaccine this year and to locate a flu shot clinic near you, visit 4flu.ca.
