REGINA — Saskatchewan residents are now able to begin booking their annual influenza shots with public health, said the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the provincial government is encouraging everyone in the province to do so this year.
Flu clinics will begin on Oct. 12, joined by a selection of pharmacies across the province cleared to deliver the immunization.
“Protecting yourself and your loved ones from contracting influenza is a simple thing we can all do to further ease the pressure on our health care system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Health Minister Paul Merriman.
Public health nurses will also be cleared to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals simultaneously during flu appointments at SHA-operated clinics.
"The path out of this pandemic is to get as many people as possible vaccinated against COVID-19," said Merriman.
Booking for upcoming flu clinics is already open, available online at 4flu.ca, or by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (787-5829).
For those interested in getting both types of vaccination, public health says only one appointment is needed.
"All Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines," said Dr. Tania Diener, SHA COVID immunization co-chief. “No additional safety risks or adverse events following immunization have been identified by simultaneous administration of these vaccines."
Anyone aged six months or older are able to receive a flu shot, and residents aged 12 and over may receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pharmacies can deliver flu shots to residents aged 5 and older, and more than 380 locations have agreed to take part in the annual flu shot program.
A list of all available pharmacy options has been made available on the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website.
