Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Immunization Program

The flu vaccine is available free of charge across the province through Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) health clinics, at participating pharmacies and at some physician and nurse practitioner offices starting October 10, 2023.

All residents aged six months and older can get the flu vaccine.

Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at an SHA flu clinic, public health office or by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Residents 65 years of age and older are eligible to receive the Fluzone High-Dose influenza vaccine.

To book an appointment online visit the SHA booking tool at www.4flu.ca or call 1-833-727-5829;

Flu shots can be provided within a registered pharmacy to Saskatchewan residents age five and over with a valid Saskatchewan health services card. A list of pharmacies that offer the flu shot is available.

The vaccine is recommended to everyone six months and older but is particularly important for people at high-risk of influenza complications:

• seniors;
• people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems;
• children;
• pregnant people; and
• caregivers and contacts of people at high risk.

The flu vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect yourself and those around you during the flu season.

Its effectiveness depends on:

• The match between the vaccine strains and the influenza strains circulating in the community; and
• The age and the immune response of the person being immunized.

While the vaccine is more effective in people who are younger and otherwise healthy, such as children and adults, it is especially important for seniors and persons with underlying health conditions to get vaccinated. Even if a person gets influenza after getting immunized, they usually have a milder illness and are less likely to require hospitalization.

Influenza viral strains in this year's publicly funded vaccines

The vaccines used this year contain the influenza A and B viral strains that have been identified by the World Health Organization as most likely to circulate.

• Frequent hand washing;
• Coughing and sneezing into your sleeve;
• Cleaning surfaces often; and
• Staying home when you are sick.