Saskatchewan flu shots begin Monday

Flu season is just around the corner and beginning Monday, the public will be able to get their flu shots for free.

Everyone in Saskatchewan six months and older can get vaccinated at no charge from now until about the middle of November, Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, told the media Wednesday. The shot is offered at public health clinics or through some doctor or nurse practitioner offices.

New this year is the opportunity to get the shot as you refill your prescription, as more than 200 of the 360 community pharmacies will offer the vaccinations as well.

“We’re really hoping that people who go to pharmacies regularly, and those are people who especially should get the flu shot, people with underlying risk factors, may find that also a convenient option to get the flu shot if their pharmacy is offering it,” said Shahab.

Pregnant women, seniors, young kids and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma are the ones at highest risk of developing complications due to influenza.

The nasal vaccine, known as FluMist, will be available for kids between the ages of two and 17. That option should be available at public health clinics before the end of October.

Each year, about one-third of Saskatchewan’s population gets vaccinated. Shahab anticipates that number to increase because of the new options available this year. He added 425,000 doses were ordered for this year. About 338,000 received a dose last year.