Released on January 12, 2017
Health officials are reminding residents it’s not too late to get a flu shot as influenza activity picks up across Canada and Saskatchewan.“We have seen an increase in influenza cases in the last couple of weeks, and we expect flu activity will continue through March,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “I encourage everyone to get a flu shot if they haven’t already. This season’s vaccine is a good match for circulating strains, including H3N2.”
There were 590 lab-confirmed influenza cases in Saskatchewan between September and January 7, with a spike of 175 cases during the last week of December.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months and older, and is especially important for people who are most at risk of serious illness from influenza: seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.
The publicly-funded (free) flu vaccine is available from many pharmacies across the province, some physician offices, and public health clinics. Pharmacists can only immunize adults and children nine years of age and older who have a valid Saskatchewan health card. Children under nine need to be vaccinated at a public health clinic or physician office.
For information on public health clinic schedules:
- Check your health region website
- Call your local public health office
- Call HealthLine 811
As of December 31, an estimated 238,830 flu vaccine doses were administered in Saskatchewan – 64 per cent by public health nurses and other providers, and 36 per cent by pharmacists.
For more information on influenza immunization in Saskatchewan visit www.saskatchewan.ca/flu. For information on influenza symptoms or when to seek care, call HealthLine 811 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca