Murray Wood: October is a special time on the prairies
Murray Wood is celebrating October, as we enjoy the last days of warm weather before the winter hits. In Saskatchewan, W...
Starting Tuesday, Saskatchewan residents can schedule a time to get this year’s respiratory illness vaccinations.
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at public health clinics, participating pharmacies, some doctor and nurse practitioner offices, and even certain walk-in clinics. The vaccines are offered free of charge for any eligible Saskatchewan resident.
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Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said if someone doesn’t have a provincial health card, they should contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority to confirm their eligibility.
While anyone over the age of six months can get both shots, Shahab said there are certain restrictions for kids between six months and five years old. Children who fall in that age range can’t be vaccinated at a pharmacy, and instead need to go through public health.
Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said the flu vaccine is especially recommended for people 65 and older, those with high-risk health conditions, young children and pregnant women. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)
“Public health nurses can vaccinate children who are younger, and of course children in that age group are also eligible for other childhood vaccines, which can be given at the same time,” Shahab explained.
According to Shahab, the flu vaccine is especially recommended for people 65 and older, those with high-risk health conditions, young children and pregnant women.
“Infants up to six months can’t get vaccinated, (so) if women who are pregnant get the vaccine, that protects them and protects the newborn infants as well,” Shahab said.
Another option for those older than 65 is the enhanced flu vaccine, which offers better protection than the standard shot. Shahab said as people age, their immune response to the flu shot may not be as strong as it is for someone who’s young and healthy.
When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, Shahab said those over 65 should prioritize getting their immunizations, because age is one of the risk factors for a more serious case of the illness.
While a young and healthy person getting either the flu or COVID-19 often means a few days of not feeling well, Shahab said there’s typically a full recovery. But respiratory illnesses can be serious for those in the at-risk categories, he noted, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
According to Shahab, the earlier residents get their shots, the better.
“Try to make an appointment so you can get them, ideally, in the first two to three weeks of when the clinics open,” Shahab said.
Bookings can be made through the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s website or by phone, with the option of scheduling a single appointment for multiple vaccines or doing them separately. Residents can also select whether they want both vaccines or just one.
