Most Saskatoon and Regina public flu shot clinics will be by appointment only

Beginning Oct. 19, this year’s flu shot will be available across the province in pharmacies, doctors’ offices and of course at public health clinics.

But at most of those Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) public health clinics in Saskatoon and Regina, you’ll have to book your spot ahead of time.

The COVID-19 pandemic means that most people won’t just be able to stand in line and hand over their health card information and ID to a public health nurse or event organizer before their vaccination as they have in years past.

While additional times and locations may be posted online in the coming days, so far in Regina, there will be only one public flu clinic location available. It will be at the International Trade Centre at Evraz Place.

According to the information posted, an appointment must be booked ahead of time. Spots will be open until Dec. 23.

In Saskatoon, the SaskTel Centre on Thatcher Avenue directly across the street from the drive-through COVID-19 testing site will be the largest flu shot clinic available. Again, appointments must be booked ahead of time.

There will, however, be a few walk-in locations including several at Station 20 West, at the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. building on Avenue M South, and at Westmount School on Avenue J North. Priority at those particular clinics will be given to community members and there will be limited spaces.

The SHA is urging as many people as possible to get their flu shots this year, especially for those who have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or are elderly. Anyone over six months of age can get the flu shot, however, children under the age of five must do so at a public health clinic rather than at a pharmacy.

In addition to COVID-19 cases, the SHA will also begin reporting weekly on the number of lab-confirmed flu cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the province.

You can find more information, times, dates and locations of public flu clinics here.