Flu shots urged to protect health-care system

Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to roll up their sleeves and get their flu vaccines.

Dr. Tania Diener, a medical health officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, urged people to get the shot to protect themselves and loved ones.

“But most of all, (do it) to protect our health-care system that is under tremendous stress, mostly due to COVID at this point in time,” Diener said during a media event on Thursday.

Health-care workers will be administering a quadrivalent flu vaccine this year, meaning it offers protection against four strains of the virus.

“So it’s a broader protection than the trivalent we had in the past,” Diener said.

She added that for those who haven’t yet become fully immunized against COVID-19, it is safe to receive the COVID vaccine and the flu shot during the same appointment.

“Staff are trained to provide the COVID vaccine and the influenza vaccine at the same time. (You’ve) just got to pick two different arms and you’re good to go,” Diener said.

Anybody six months and older can receive a flu shot. Children between the age of six months and four years must get immunized at a public health clinic or by a doctor or nurse. Anybody five and older can get the vaccine anywhere it is offered, including certain pharmacies.

At 4flu.ca, residents can book an appointment online for up to six people or browse listings of walk-in clinics.

For those without computer access, they can call 1-833-SASK-VAX.

“There’s no excuse in terms of accessibility to make those appointments as soon as possible,” Diener said.