Influenza immunization clinics begin on October 19, 2015. Over the coming week, a listing of all Sunrise Health Region influenza immunization clinics will be delivered to every home mailbox in the region.
A total of 100 clinics in 36 communities are planned in Sunrise Health Region from October to December.
“Getting vaccinated early in the season is especially important for people at high-risk of influenza complications and for their caregivers; this includes pregnant women, young children, elderly, persons with underlying health conditions, and persons who are immune-compromised,” says Vice President of Medical Services and Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Phillip Fourie.
Residents of all ages, including children over the age of 6 months, can get the injectable vaccine as soon as the flu clinics start on October 19th. The nasal spray vaccine, an option for children between the ages of two and 17, will be available before the end of October.
The flu vaccine is a safe, effective way for people to protect themselves and those close to them during the flu season.
A public health nurse at each of the clinics will ask a series of questions to screen for the very few people who cannot be immunized.
When attending the clinics, people are encouraged to wear a short sleeved shirt and will need their Saskatchewan Health Card.
“The arrival of influenza illness in our communities is unpredictable, which is why we encourage people to be immunized as soon as the vaccine is available,” adds Dr. Fourie.
“We are asking everyone to watch their mail for the clinic listings and to make plans for their family members to be immunized as early as possible in the season.”
By immunizing the whole family, the chance of exposure to influenza is reduced for more vulnerable members of the family.
The clinic listing is distributed to every home mailbox in the region, with the exception of addresses that refuse delivery of flyers.
The clinic list can also be found on the region website www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca and by dialing Healthline at 811.
Daily clinic locations are also posted on our Facebook page “Sunrise Health Region”, on Twitter @SunriseRegion and are recorded on the Sunrise Daily Information Update Line, which can be called toll-free at 1-866-800-5510.
