Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) continues to schedule additional influenza immunization clinics to meet public demand for flu shots across the region. However, as of Friday provincial health officials say vaccination efforts will now be focusing only on children under five years of age and pregnant women.
According to a government of Saskatchewan press release, approximately 25 per cent of Saskatchewan residents have received the flu shot since last fall, However, the continuing high demand has used up the province's supply of 280,000 doeses, and additional supplies are limited.
PNHR has been scheduling additional drop-in flu clinics in North Battleford, Meadow Lake and Lloydminster. Another a flu clinic has been added in North Battleford for Monday, Jan. 13 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the public health offices in the Primary Health Centre.
Flu shots remain available in rural Prairie North communities through the nearest public health offices.
Rural residents wishing to get a flu shot may contact their nearest public health office for information or may visit any of the flu clinics set up in Lloydminster, Meadow Lake or North Battleford.
According to health officials, flu cases continue to increase in Saskatchewan. The government has confirmed seven influenza-related deaths as of Jan. 10, as well as a total of 32 intensive care unity hospitalization and 618 lab-conformed influenza cases this flu sease.
PNHR and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health are encouraging individuals to get a flu shot if they haven't already done so. This is particularly important for persons at higher risk of severe illness, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and individuals with underlying medical conditions. The influenza strain currently circulating is H1N1: this strain is included in this year's flu vaccine. Compared to other influenza strains, H1N1 causes more illness in young to middle-aged adults. Getting vaccinated against the flu is the most effective way to avoid becoming ill with influenza and to protect those at high risk of becoming ill.
People can also protect themselves against influenza through frequent hand washing, coughing and sneezing into their sleeve, cleaning surfaces often and staying at home when sick.
All of the flu clinics are open to everyone, with the influenza immunizations available free of charge.
A listing of all influenza immunization clinics in Prairie North is available on the Health Region's website at www.pnrha.ca.
