Prairie North Health Region is launching its annual influenza vaccination program, with the first clinics scheduled for Oct. 11.
Clinics are being offered in Cut Knife Oct. 14, Edam Oct. 21, Glaslyn Oct. 19, Maymont Oct. 19, Meota Oct. 12, Lashburn Nov. 3, Livelong Nov. 14, Maidstone Oct. 13, 26 and Nov. 10, Marsden Oct. 18, Marshall Nov. 3, Mervin Nov. 1, Neilburg Oct. 27 and Nov. 9, Paradise Hill Oct. 18, Paynton Oct. 20, St. Walburg Oct. 11 and Nov. 8, Turtleford Oct. 16 and Nov. 15 and Waseca Oct. 20.
Immunization clinics organized by the health region are scheduled across Prairie North throughout October and November, and in limited locations in early December and January. Flu shots are also available through physician offices.
This year's seasonal influenza vaccine is available to everyone free of charge.
"Everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot," said Dr. Brenda Cholin, PNHR Medical Health Officer.
"We are especially encouraging people at high risk of serious illness or complications from influenza to be immunized," Cholin added.
These high risk groups are: adults age 65 years and over; persons with a chronic health condition; pregnant women; children from six months to four years of age (under five); persons with severe obesity; residents of a nursing home or other care facility.
Groups recommended for vaccination to protect those at higher risk include: household and close contacts of persons listed as high risk; household and close contacts of infants less than six months of age; members of a household expecting a newborn; child and daycare workers who provide care to children up to four years of age (under five); persons who work with poultry or hogs; all health care employees and volunteers; health science students (human and animal health).
"Vaccination of people, especially those at high risk of developing serious illness or complications from the flu, is the single most effective way to reduce the impact of influenza," Cholin stated.
She reminds the public the purpose of the immunizations is to help lessen the impact of influenza on residents, families, friends and communities.
The flu season usually lasts from November thorough March but could occur before or after this time. October and November are considered the optimum months during which to receive the flu shot since immunization received from the vaccine lasts four to six months.
In addition to getting the flu shot, Saskatchewan residents can further protect themselves against seasonal influenza by practicing personal prevention and self-care measures including frequent and through hand washing using proper hand washing techniques; using alcohol-based hand sanitizers if washing your hands with warm water and soap is not possible; coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or using tissues once only; staying home if you are ill; and cleaning surfaces often.
Flu clinics are extensively advertised in local newspapers throughout Prairie North Health Region. Call the local Population/Public Health office for more information. A complete listing of all influenza immunization clinics in Prairie North is available on the Health Region's website at: www.pnrha.ca and on Prairie North's Influenza Immunization line at 1-877-833-4161.
Saskatchewan's HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 and the provincial HealthLine OnLine www.healthlineonline.ca also have complete listings of Immunization Clinics in the province.
