SASKATOON – There are renewed calls from the Saskatoon Health Region to roll up your sleeves and get a flu shot. Officials say they have seen a slight increase in the number of confirmed influenza cases.
There have been 67 cases reported so far this season.
That’s a big change from the 451 cases reported at this time last year.
“This hasn’t been a typical influenza season, and we are just now beginning to see an upswing in confirmed influenza cases that could last well into March,” said Dr. Simon Kapaj, the region’s deputy health minister.
“Of particular concern are the health risks that seasonal influenza poses to our most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or other chronic health conditions, and their caregivers.”
Officials expect influenza activity in the province will peak in the third or fourth week of February.
READ MORE: Why this year’s flu season is off to a slow, nearly non-existent start
Those looking to get a flu immunization shot can do so by booking an appointment with their nearest public health office, making an appointment with a doctor or visiting a pharmacy offering the vaccine. More information is available online from the health region.
To date, over 83,000 people in the Saskatoon Health Region have been immunized, including 63 per cent of the region’s staff.
Meaghan Craig contributed to this story
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