Released on October 8, 2014
The publicly-funded influenza vaccine will be available through public health clinics across the province, and from some physicians and Nurse Practitioners beginning October 14, 2014. The free vaccine will be offered to all Saskatchewan residents six months and older.
“We want to ensure people in our province have easy access to the flu shot and stay healthy during the flu season,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Getting vaccinated is a simple action that can save lives.”
“We strongly encourage people to get the flu vaccine early in the season,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Flu can spread quickly, and can cause serious illness. The vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect yourself and those close to you.”
The flu vaccine is recommended to everyone six months and older but is particularly important for people at high risk of serious complications from influenza:
- children under five;
- pregnant women;
- adults 65 and older;
- nursing home residents;
- people with a chronic health condition; and
- caregivers and contacts of people at high risk.
Detailed information about clinic locations, dates and times is posted on health region websites. People can also contact their public health office, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.saskatchewan.ca/flu for clinic schedules and to find the nearest clinic.
“Injectable influenza vaccine will be available to the public as soon as clinics open,” Dr. Shahab said. “We also expect to be able to offer the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) again this year.”
At present FluMist nasal vaccine is expected to be available in health regions by the week of October 20. Families with children aged two to 17 may wish to attend clinics starting October 20th onward.
This year all health regions are adopting a policy that will help better protect the health and safety of patients and staff in health care facilities. Health care staff will be required to choose to either get the influenza vaccine or wear a mask in patient and client care areas during flu season. Visitors to health facilities will also be asked to wear a mask if they have not been immunized. More information on the policy is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-flu.
For information on influenza symptoms, prevention and treatment visit www.saskatchewan.ca/flu or call HealthLine 811.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca