Saskatchewan residents can get their free flu shot starting October 22 at public health clinics, local pharmacies, and some physician and nurse practitioner offices.
The first clinic for the Estevan area is at St. Joseph's Hospital's auditorium. It started at 9 a.m. on Oct. 22, and will continue until 7 p.m. Another clinic will happen the following day, also at auditorium No. 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Then the clinics will start to rotate through different locations. There will be a clinic at the Bienfait Public Library on Oct. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Three clinics are scheduled for Oct. 25: Inglis Court and Yardley Place from 9-10 a.m., and Sussex Arms from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The clinics will return to the hospital’s auditorium on Oct. 29 from 12-6 p.m.
Four clinics are scheduled for Oct. 30, with Trinity Tower at 9-10 a.m., Valleyview Heritage and Midtown Manor from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and Creighton Lodge from 1-2:30 p.m.
The last of the clinics will be at the hospital’s auditorium: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 26, and 3-6 p.m. on Dec. 11.
The free vaccine is being offered through public health clinics across the province. Vaccine is also available in some physician and nurse practitioner offices and in local pharmacies.
Anyone six months of age and older can receive the flu vaccine, and is encouraged to get vaccinated early in the season. The flu vaccine is a safe, effective way to help people stay healthy, prevent illness and save lives.
Getting vaccinated is especially important for people at high risk of complications, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions, and their caregivers.
According to the SHA, hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of germs. People are asked to wash their hands regularly and properly to minimize the risk to themselves and those around them.
When attending a clinic, people are asked to bring their Saskatchewan health card with them to receive their immunization, and to be prepared to wait an additional 15 minutes after receiving their immunization.
“Influenza can cause serious illness and may lead to complications, hospitalization and even death,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Don’t wait. Get your flu shot early in the season to protect yourself, your family and those to whom you provide care.”
For a list of pharmacies that provide the free flu shot, check the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website or ask a local pharmacy if they offer it.
More than 340 pharmacies will offer free flu vaccinations this season.
Information on influenza immunization in Saskatchewan is available on the provincial government’s website.
