Starting throughout the province on Oct. 11, flu clinics were well under way and future clinics mark the calendars of all health regions. The publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccine, will once again be available free of charge from public health clinics and physician offices to all Saskatchewan residents wishing to receive the vaccine.
The Government of Saskatchewan does encourage residents to obtain the flu shot, particularly those at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu. "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.
"Vaccination is also recommended for individuals in close contact with those at high risk of influenza-related complications." Those groups include: people in contact with persons who are in the high risk groups listed above, those in close contact with infants less than six months of age, members of households expecting newborns, child and daycare workers caring for children younger than two years of age, persons who work with poultry or hogs, all health care employees and volunteers and health science students.
Recommendations for helping to prevent the spread of the influenza virus include: obtaining your flu shot, washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and using tissues only once, staying home if you are ill and cleaning all surfaces regularly.
While flu clinics started on Oct. 11, there are still plenty scheduled within the area.
Kipling will be having a clinic at the Friendship Centre on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Alameda's clinic will take place at the Alameda Merrymakers on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kenosee Lake Four Seasons Drop-In Centre will be host to a clinic on Oct. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Maryfield with be holding a clinic at the Maryfield Health Centre on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carlyle's flu clinic will be held at the Carlyle Community Services on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oxbow will be holding a clinic at the Friendship Club on Oct. 20 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Arcola's clinic will take place at the Golden West on Oct. 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
If you are unable to make the flu clinic in your town on the dates listed, there are plenty of clinics yet to come. Clinics hosted by Sun Country are scheduled well into December.
To find a clinic that will work for you, residents can visit the Sun Country website or call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002.
