Fall immunization appointments now open across Saskatchewan

Appointments for fall influenza and COVID-19 vaccines opened across Saskatchewan on Tuesday.

The provincial government said seniors, children under five, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions are at the greatest risk of contracting a respiratory illness, and members of those groups were encouraged to get vaccinated at their earliest opportunity.

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“As we head into the fall season, getting immunized is a simple step we can all take to protect ourselves and the people around us,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement.

“I encourage all residents who are eligible to consider making immunization part of their preparations for this upcoming flu season.”

The vaccines are free of charge to all residents six months and older, the provincial government noted, and are available at public health clinics, as well as participating pharmacies, doctor’s offices and nurse practitioner offices.

Kids under five can only be immunized at a Saskatchewan Health Authority public health clinic, a public health office, or by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Residents can book both vaccines in a single appointment, the health ministry noted, and can choose to receive one or both vaccines.

“Getting immunized early this fall is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you care about,” said Dr. Julie Kryzanowski, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s senior medical health officer, said in a statement.

“We encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help reduce the spread of Influenza and COVID-19 and keep our communities healthy.”