The Government of Saskatchewan's publicly-funded seasonal influenza immunizations will be available across the province beginning October 11. As in the previous year, the publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccine will be available, free of charge, through public health clinics and physicians' offices to any resident who wants to receive it.
Vaccination is particularly recommended for persons at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza such as adults 65 and over, persons with a chronic health condition or severe obesity, pregnant women and children from six months to 23 months (under two years of age). Vaccination is also recommended for individuals in close contact with those at high risk of influenza-related complications.
"We strongly encourage people, particularly those in risk groups, to get their flu shot along with adopting infection prevention methods, such as frequent hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette and staying at home when sick," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "We are also encouraging employees to take advantage of immunizations offered through the workplace."
Pharmacies and some health care providers may be selling influenza vaccine directly or providing it as part of workplace health programs. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will not reimburse individuals or businesses for influenza vaccine purchased privately.
Weyburn and Area Influenza Immunization Clinics will be held on a drop-in basis in the following locations:
Arcola - October 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Golden West.
Bengough - October 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; October 28 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Bengough Health Centre.
Carlyle - October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and November 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Carlyle Community Services.
Fillmore - October 11 from 9:30 a.m. to noon; October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fillmore Drop-In Centre.
Gladmar - October 24 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Gladmar Community Hall.
Kisbey - October 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; November 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Silver Threads.
Lampman - October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; October 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Prairie Lily Club.
Midale - October 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mainprize Manor.
Ogema - October 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; November 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Dew Drop In.
Oungre - October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oungre Regional Park.
Pangman - October 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; November 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pangman Health Centre.
Radville - October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Radville Public Health Office; October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Golden Heritage; November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Radville Public Health Office.
Stoughton - October 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Drop In Centre.
Torquay - October 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the 60 & Over Club.
Weyburn - October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., October 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at City Centre Mall; October 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and October 27 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Wheatland Senior Centre; October 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Bison Manor; October 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Legion Towers; November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Weyburn Public Health.
Yellow Grass - October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Yellow Grass Drop-In Centre.
Residents of areas not listed above can find the nearest flu clinic by contacting the public health office, physician, regional health authority, or by calling HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002. Information on clinics will be available on the websites of regional health authorities and information on this year's influenza immunization program is available on the Ministry of Health website www.health.gov.sk.ca.
