Parents reminded to keep children's vaccinations up-to-date as school begins

As the new school year approaches, Saskatchewan health officials are encouraging parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.

In a news release Tuesday, the province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, stressed the importance of having children vaccinated on time and on schedule.

“Immunization is the most effective way to protect your children against vaccine-preventable diseases,” Shahab said.

“It provides them with the best protection against highly contagious and potentially serious diseases, such as measles or the whooping cough.”

The news release stated there has been a recent increase of whooping cough in the province.

Free childhood immunizations are available for all infants and school-age children in Saskatchewan.

Publicly funded routine vaccinations are available at public health clinics for pre-school children and through school-based programs for school-age kids.

All residents over six months of age may also receive a free influenza immunization to protect them during the flu season.

Public health flu clinics begin in late October.