Sask. residents urged to get free flu shot

Flu season is on its way to Saskatchewan and free flu shots are once again being provided.

The free flu clinics will begin on Oct. 31 and will run throughout the month of November.

“Getting your flu vaccine end of October, early November will protect you throughout the flu season,” Dr. Saquib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said.

The vaccine will be available through public health clinics across the province, at some physician and Nurse Practitioner offices, and from participating pharmacies.

In Saskatchewan, only about one-third of the population goes out and gets their flu shot.

Dr. Shahab said last year, flu season started at the end of January. In 2014, the flu season started in December.

“It can vary. The main message is that you should try to get your flu vaccine when the clinic starts,” Dr. Shahab said. He also said getting the vaccine in November will protect people throughout the flu season.

The province ordered 380,000 doses of the vaccine. Last year, 330,000 doses were given out.

Dr. Shahab says it’s important that people over 65 years old, children 6 months to 5 years old, and people with chronic health conditions get the vaccine.

You can find out where the nearest clinic is here. People with children under 9 years old will have to go to a public health clinic.