For every flu shot given at Weyburn’s Pharmasave outlet during the 2017-18 flu season, a vaccine will be donated to UNICEF through their program, “I Boost Immunity”.
Vaccines keep children alive and healthy by protecting them against disease. However, according to UNICEF, in 2015, nearly one in five infacts, or 19.4 million children, did not receive the basic vaccines they need to stay healthy.
By supporting “I Boost Immunity” on this global initiative, participating Pharmasave stores and their communities can help save vulnerable children’s lives simply by getting a flu shot this year.
Shots for influenza began to be available to residents of the Sun Country Health Region this week, and are available through public health clinics or from pharmacists and doctors. Vaccinations at a pharmacy provides a convenient and fast way for residents of Weyburn to get their annual flu shot.
“It is important for our customers and their families to receive a flu shot each year to protect themselves and those around them,” said Laura Resler, managing partner of Pharmasave in Weyburn. “We are offering flu shots for all Saskatchewan residents age nine and up with a valid health card.”
She added that residents have an excellent opportunity to contribute to the health of children around the world through the “I Boost Immunity” vaccine donation program.
“For every flu shot we perform, we will make a donation so that a child in a developing country receives a vaccine,” said Resler.
Pharmasave has been providing flu shots for the past two years, with the pharmacy team providing over 600 flu shots last season. The vaccinations can be provided on a walk-in basis at the Weyburn location.
The flu virus generally strikes each year in late fall and early winter, and causes sudden fever, coughing, muscle aches, headache and fatigue, among other symptoms. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Most people with the flu recover within a week to 10 days, however seniors, very young children and people with chronic health conditions are considered high risk for serious complications, such as pneumonia or a worsening of an existing health condition.
“I Boost Immunity” is a Canadian-based online learning platform about vaccination and science that rewards individual knowledge with vaccines for children.
The website uses quizzes, articles and stories in a fun and engaging way to raise local literacy about immunization, and pairs it with a global reward: childhood vaccines through UNICEF. For more information, visit www.iboostimmunity.com.
