ASSINIBOIA —The first day of fall on our calendars has come and gone. This signals that flu and COVID season are now a focus in our communities.
While several walk-in clinics are being offered, residents again have the opportunity to book vaccination appointments online. Also, call the SHA office or their nearest pharmacy to book fall vaccinations.
Ask about the option of having your COVID and flu vaccines done at the same time.
For Assiniboia and area, several walk-in clinics are being offered. They are listed on the SHA website by scrolling through the alphabetical community list where walk-in vaccine clinics are being offered.
Walk-in clinics started Oct. 16 at the Kin Hut in Assiniboia and are also available Oct. 25 and 29.
Bengough is hosting a clinic Oct. 21 at the health centre.
Coronach, held their community clinic Oct. 16 at the health centre, while Glentworth’s was held Oct. 15.
The Gravelbourg Parish Hall will have clinics Oct. 18, 21 and 31.
The Lafleche Club 50 Centre is hosting their community clinic Oct. 28, while Mossbank 50+ Club will host their community clinic on Oct. 23.
In Willow Bunch, on Oct 24 at the Hills of Home Centre, residents have an opportunity for the walk-in clinic in that community.
Vaccinations help protect you and your family and the province’s vulnerable population against flu and COVID-19, according to the SHA. The website, www.4flu.ca takes you to a page with all the information clinics being held in Saskatchewan communities, or booking options for fall vaccines.
COVID-19 test kits now available for purchase only
There are no longer free COVID-19 home tests distributed and tests that you may have in your house from previous free distributions are likely expired by several months.
Ask your neighbourhood pharmacy if they have COVID-19 test kits for purchase. Cost is $20 to 40.
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 SHA 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.
