By Deborah Shawcross

Sask. flu-vaccine clinics open

Oct 14, 2014 | 7:08 AM

A shot in the arm could save you from taking a lot sick days this winter.
 
The flu vaccine is available for free at clinics across Saskatchewan starting Tuesday. Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says people more at risk for getting the virus include those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, people 65 years or older and children under 5 years old.
 
“Even if you live with someone who has a risk factor, you should get the flu shot. If you care for someone at home, in the community (or) healthcare system.”
 
The province has ordered 450,000 doses of vaccine this flu season – 70,000 more than last year. Clinics will be doses until mid-November.
 
“The time to get it is the next three or four weeks because it takes about a week or two to develop immunity to influenza,” said Shahab. 
 
FluMist that is sprayed into the nose is once again available after first being used in January. 
 
“Everyone can get the injectable vaccine but this year children two years to 17 years especially recommended the inter-nasal vaccine that’s going to be available October 20th onward.”  
 
Shahab says you can also prevent influenza by staying home if you feel sick, washing your hands often and coughing and sneezing intro your sleeve or tissue.  
 
Up to 12,000 thousand people across Canada are hospitalized every year with the flu. Last year, 16 people died from the virus in Saskatchewan.
 
Click here for locations and times of clinics in Saskatchewan. 

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