The Saskatchewan Health Authority says appointments are now available for free flu and updated COVID-19 immunization clinics that will begin next week. Everyone six months and older is eligible to get flu and COVID vaccines, and you can get both at the same appointment. Young children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at a SHA public clinic, public health office or by a physician or nurse practitioner which is offering the service at their office. Everyone else also has the option to get vaccinated at pharmacies that have the service.

Medical Health Officer, Dr. Tania Diener says it takes about ten days to two weeks for the vaccines to really work and that’s why they advise everyone to get their shots as soon as possible to keep yourself and everyone around you safe, and especially if you are vulnerable and are at risk for complications or hospitalization. She says, “About 12,000 people end up in hospital every year in Canada because of influenza and about 3,500 people die every year because of influenza disease.”

Diener adds that vaccines protect individuals and communities. She explains that the more people are immunized, the less risk there is for all of us, and that also means fewer physician visits and ICU admissions, which has a positive impact on our health care system.

For one of the vaccine clinics, book online: www.4flu.ca or call 1-833-727-5829 Monday to Friday.