THE BATTLEFORDS — The first day of fall on our calendars has come and gone. This signals flu and COVID season is now a focus in our communities
While several walk-in clinics are being offered, residents again have the opportunity to book vaccination appointments online and call the SHA office or their nearest pharmacy to also book fall vaccinations.
Ask about the option of having your COVID and flu vaccines done at the same time.
For the Battlefords, several walk-in clinics are being offered and are listed on this website by scrolling through the alphabetical community list where walk-in vaccine clinics are being offered.
Clinics started Oct. 15 at Battlefords Primary Health Centre and continue with a number of available dates to Nov. 14.
Other clinics are being held at Discovery Co-op Mall, on Oct 18; Meota on Oct. 25; Caleb Village, on Oct 25; Battlefords Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, on Nov. 1; Nov. 8 at North Battleford public library.
Vaccinations help protect you and your family and the province’s vulnerable population against flu and Covid-19. The website, www.4flu.ca takes you to a page with all the information clinics being held in Saskatchewan communities, or booking options for your fall vaccines.
Important to note, that COVID-19 test kits now only available for purchase
There are no longer free tests distributed and those tests that you may happen to have in your house from previous free distributions are likely expired by several months.
You can check with your neighborhood pharmacy to check their available COVID-19 test kit purchase however they come at a cost of anywhere from $20-40.
With free home test kits no longer an option it is still recommended to test for COVID-19 to assess your risk in the public, around elderly and immunocompromised people or even for your peace of mind.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority website states, “Early immunization means you are protected sooner. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective ways to help people stay healthy and prevent serious illness.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available at Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) influenza and COVID-19 clinics across the province, some physician and nurse practitioner offices and participating pharmacies.
All Saskatchewan residents ages six months and older are eligible to get free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at SHA influenza and COVID-19 clinics, public health offices, or by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines is especially important for people most at risk of serious illness and their caregivers. Those most at risk of contracting respiratory illness are seniors, people with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems, children under five and pregnant women.”
