SASKATOON – Free influenza immunization clinics started Monday in Saskatoon. Anyone who is six months or older can get a free immunization at one of the main clinics held by the Saskatoon Health Region.
The first clinic was held at Station 20 West, a prelude to the mass clinic running from Tuesday, Oct. 20 until Saturday, Oct. 24 at Prairieland Park.
This is the first year in Saskatchewan that pharmacists can give the flu shot. The flu mist will only be available through public clinics.
READ MORE: With more ways to get a flu shot in Sask., is it worth your while?
According to health region officials, the flu vaccine is the safest and single most effective way to reduce the impact of seasonal influenza.
“We have different strains of the vaccine in the product every year,” said Risa Ledray, the Saskatoon Health Region’s manager of immunizations.
“We predict what’s coming year to year based on what happens on the other side of the world, we have different strains of the vaccine. So we encourage people to come because immunity wanes after about six months.”
“But we also have a different product every year so we want people to protect themselves against what’s current in the upcoming season.”
Clinics throughout the region continue until Nov. 28.
Joelle Tomlinson contributed to this story
Comments