Both the Saskatoon and Prince Albert health regions are encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others in the community by getting their annual flu shot.
On Monday, Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) launched its public and employee influenza immunization clinics. Anyone six months and older can get vaccinated at any one of the clinics.
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In 2015, influenza caused 17 deaths in Saskatchewan.
“We see flu-related hospitalization and deaths every flu season. Vaccine is the safest and single most effective way to protect yourself and your family,” Dr. Simon Kapaj, SHR’s deputy medical health officer, said.
“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune response to fully respond and for you to be protected, so you should be getting vaccinated now.”
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Pharmacists in both cities are also able to give free immunizations to people nine years of age and older.
For more information on the SHR’s clinics, visit their website. A mass clinic will take place at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Sunday, Nov. 6 and Monday, Nov. 7.
Public health immunization clinics also began throughout the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) on Monday. An updated schedule is available online via PAPHR or call 306-765-6500 ext. 4.
Saskatchewan’s injectable vaccine protects against four flu virus strains identified by the World Health Organization as most likely to circulate in 2016-17.
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