As children head back to school, the Government of Saskatchewan and all health officials would like to encourage parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date, especially those just entering Kindergarten. Free childhood immunizations are available for all infants and school-age children.
“It is important that parents and families understand the benefits of vaccinating their children against preventable dis-eases,” Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “Saskatchewan’s publicly-funded vaccine program plays an important role in keeping our province’s youngest residents healthy.”
Infants and preschool-age children may receive the following free vaccinations:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenza b
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Meningococcal disease
- Rotavirus
School-age children may receive the following free vaccinations:
- Grade 6 students - hepatitis B, bacterial meningitis, varicella (chickenpox)
- Grade 6 female students – human papilloma-virus vaccine
- Grade 8 students – tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) booster
All residents over six months of age may also receive a free influenza immunization to protect them during flu season. Public health flu clinics begin in mid-October. Vaccines are easily available at public health clinics or through school-based programs.
