Saskatchewan offers free routine childhood and adult immunizations, and free immunization programs for people at high risk.
Immunization programs for young children are delivered by public health nurses through local public health clinics. Immunization programs for school age students are delivered by public health nurses in school settings. Some physicians and Nurse Practitioners may also administer free publicly-funded vaccines (such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccines) to eligible patients.
Infants and pre-school children
Infants and pre-school children are eligible to receive free vaccines against many bacteria and viruses that cause serious diseases such as:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenza type b
- Rotavirus
- Measles,
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Meningococcal bacterial diseases
- Pneumococcal bacterial diseases
School age children
School age children are eligible for the following publicly-funded vaccines.
- Grade 6 students – hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, bacterial meningitis and varicella (chickenpox).
- Grade 8 students – tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster.
Influenza immunizations program
All residents aged 6 months and older are eligible to get a free influenza vaccine every year.
The vaccine is particularly recommended to people at high risk of serious complications from influenza:
- Adults 65 and older;
- Children under five;
- People with a chronic health condition;
- Pregnant women;
- Nursing home residents; and
- Caregivers and contacts of people at high risk.
Where and when to get the flu vaccine
Free flu vaccines are available during the flu season through public health clinics, many pharmacies, and some physician and Nurse Practitioner offices.
For detailed information about flu clinic locations, dates and times:
For a list of pharmacies that offer the flu shot, check the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website.
Travel and non-publicly funded vaccines
Travel and other vaccines are available for purchase through some public health or physician offices. You have to pay out of pocket for these privately purchased immunizations. The Ministry of Health does not reimburse for these vaccines.