COVID and flu appointments offered together

A two-for-one offer.

People seeking COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are now able to receive them at the same time.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, received a shot in each arm to mark the beginning of this year’s immunization campaign at the Regina Performing Arts Centre.

“I think it’s really great that we’re starting in a more routine way this year,” Shahab told reporters Tuesday.

“(It’s the) first time that we are synchronized to offer both the updated COVID vaccine — the XBB.1.5 vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine together.”

Shahab said it’s important for keeping friends and family safe as well as reducing pressure on the health care system.

“Every fall we know influenza comes around, we are already seeing a slight increase in COVID cases so this is the time to get your influenza vaccine as well as your updated COVID vaccine,” Shahab said.

Shahab said the program has been opened up for everyone 6 months and older.

“For most people, it’s one flu shot and one COVID vaccine, for children six months (old) to four years (old) who haven’t had a COVID vaccine in the past, they will require two doses and for people who are severely immune suppressed, they may also need an additional vaccine,” Shahab said.

Jessica Campbell with the SHA receives a shot for COVID and the flu.
Oct. 10, 2023.
(Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

Jessica Campbell, executive director of primary health care in the Northwest (south), said there are more than 10,000 appointments already booked. She also said there are more than 550 clinics between both booked clinics and walk-in clinics.

Campbell said there are also several pharmacies that are participating.

“I think we’re in a good position, we did just pull the data for last year and we had just over 46,000 doses of COVID and flu (vaccinations) booked last fall and so to have 10,000 booked already on day 1 of the campaign I think we are in a fairly good spot,” Campbell said.

“We hope that people will continue to book and get their flu shots and their COVID vaccine.”

Vaccine fatigue

According to a study by the Canadian Pharmacists Association, more than 50 per cent of Canadians surveyed are experiencing “moderate to very high levels” of vaccine fatigue, especially among younger Canadians.

The survey says this fatigue influences the willingness of people to get vaccinated for various illnesses.

Shahab said it’s much easier to stay on top of vaccinations now that there are fewer boosters required.

“The advantage for me was that I could get both vaccines in one go,” he said.“It’s more efficient, it saves me, it saves our colleagues who are vaccinating here time.”