Flu shots now available to Saskatchewan residents

Flu vaccines are now available at Saskatchewan’s public health clinics and pharmacies.

The shots also can be administered by doctors and nurses.

After presenting his health card and filling out a form, Saskatchewan Health Minister Jim Reiter rolled up a sleeve on Tuesday morning to get vaccinated at the Save on Foods pharmacy in south Regina.

“We turn to medical professionals (and) we turn to science. It has been proven over and over how much of a help it is,” Reiter said.

“Nobody enjoys getting a needle but again, it takes just a few minutes out of your day and it’s going to prevent you from getting sick.”

Reiter said the province has ordered close to 400,000 doses, with no problems expected in availability.

Beth Kessler, the pharmacy manager at Save on Foods, is urging all people aged six months or older to get vaccinated.

That includes even those who are young and in good health because they could pass the flu on to those who are at high risk for complications, including pregnant women or young children.

“You can pass it on to the elderly (and) you can pass it on to people that have compromised immune systems,” Kessler said. “The only people who should be a little bit concerned is if you have a bit of a fever, or not feeling well. Just ask the pharmacist if it’s something you should get now or wait a couple days.”

Because the flu strain changes each season, Kessler said people should get protected against the flu every year.

Last winter, 69 Saskatchewan residents were hospitalized. Of those, 13 died — including four children. In 2017-18, there were 50 hospitalizations and 14 deaths in the province due to the virus.