SASKATOON – The Ministry of Health is encouraging Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves against influenza by getting a free flu shot again this year.
Province-wide, the seasonal influenza vaccine will be available starting Oct. 21 and will run through to late November.
All Saskatchewan residents, six months or older, are eligible to receive an influenza vaccine.
“This is the fourth year we’re offering the vaccine free of charge to all Saskatchewan residents over the age of six months,” said Health Minister Dustin Duncan.
Influenza is a contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system and enters the body through mouth, nose and eyes.
Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and a runny or stuffy nose.
Residents can contact their public health office, family physician, nurse practitioner, health region or call HealthLine at 811 to find their nearest flu clinic.
High-risk groups for influenza include those with chronic health conditions, seniors, long-term care facilities residents, severely obese people, children under five and pregnant women.
“We particularly recommend the flu shot for people at high risk of influenza-related complications and those in close contact with individuals at high risk,” said Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer.
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Recipients are asked to immediately report any severe reactions but most side effects go away within three days. The ministry of health assures people they cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
According to the ministry, the vaccine is 50 to 70 per cent effective and if a person gets influenza after vaccination, it usually results in a milder illness.
Antibodies to prevent influenza develop within two to three weeks after immunization in most healthy children and adults.
For those who hate needles, there is also a flu vaccine available via nasal spray. The nose spray must be purchased from a pharmacist with a prescription and the cost is non-refundable.
Besides a flu shot, people can prevent influenza by frequently washing their hands, coughing and sneezing into sleeves, disinfecting surfaces and staying home when sick.
Health Canada says influenza affects millions of Canadians annually with the flu season usually running from November to April.
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