While there has been some controversy in recent years surrounding the statistics on influenza hospitalization and death, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to advise that all Canadians six months of age and over should get a seasonal flu vaccine.
“Vaccination is the safest, longest lasting and most effective way to prevent influenza,” NACI’s annual statement says.
While seasonal flu vaccines are never 100 per cent effective, the more people who get them, the less opportunity the virus has to spread according to the concept of “herd immunity.”
That too has come under fire in some circles prompting some people to ask, ‘is it worth it?’
It certainly is according to the Saskatchewan government. Once again, Sunrise Health Region on behalf of the Province is providing free flu shots to all residents who want them and encouraging all residents to get them.
Clinics began October 19 in Yorkton and area and will run through the end of December. A complete schedule for the entire region is available at www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca.
This week in the Yorkton area there are clinics at: Gloria Hayden Community Centre, today until 7p.m.; Yorkton Boys and Girls Club, Springside Senior Centre, Theodore Health Centre and Rhein Golden Agers, Oct. 29; Parkland College and the Terriers hockey game (Gallagher Centre), Oct. 30; and the Yorkton Food Bank, Nov. 3.
This year, the Province has also authorized pharmacies to administer the shots. The nasal spray for children six months to 17 years is not available at pharmacies.
There are a total of 13 drug stores in the health region participating including Superstore, Louck’s, Hearn’s, Shoppers and Walmart in Yorkton.
Shots are also available at public health offices in Canora, Esterhazy, Foam Lake, Kamsack, Langenburg, Melville, Norquay, Preeceville and Yorkton by appointment.
Finally, patients may request the shot from their family physician.
