Saskatchewan - Flu clinics starting October 11 across the province - Flu shots free of charge for all residents

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News Release - September 30, 2011

FLU CLINICS STARTING OCTOBER 11 ACROSS THE PROVINCE

The Government of Saskatchewan is encouraging residents to stay healthy this winter by getting a flu shot. Saskatchewan's publicly-funded seasonal influenza immunizations will be available across the province beginning October 11, 2011. As in the previous year, the publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccine will be available, free of charge, through public health clinics and physicians offices to any resident who wants to receive it.

Vaccination is particularly recommended for persons at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza such as adults 65 and over, persons with a chronic health condition or severe obesity, pregnant women and children from six months to 23 months (under two years of age). Vaccination is also recommended for individuals in close contact with those at high risk of influenza-related complications. Please see the attached listing of high risk groups.

"We strongly encourage people, particularly those in risk groups, to get their flu shot along with adopting infection prevention methods, such as frequent handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette and staying at home when sick," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "We are also encouraging employees to take advantage of immunizations offered through the workplace."

Pharmacies and some health care providers may be selling influenza vaccine directly or providing it as part of workplace health programs. Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will not reimburse individuals or businesses for influenza vaccine purchased privately.

To find the nearest flu clinic, residents can contact their public health office, physician, regional health authority or call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002. Information on clinics will be available on the websites of regional health authorities and information on this year's influenza immunization program is available on the Ministry of Health website www.health.gov.sk.ca.

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=be586bd3-29d7-4226-8ea2-35229564add6

 

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Re: Saskatchewan - Flu clinics starting October 11 across the province - Flu shots free of charge for all residents

Influenza

Flu shots free of charge for all residents

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will be providing influenza vaccine for all Saskatchewan residents during the 2011-2012 campaign.

Beginning on Tuesday October 11, 2011, subject to availability from supplier, influenza vaccine will be made available through Public Health clinics throughout Saskatchewan.

Influenza vaccine will continue to be made available through regional public health offices to those physician offices that routinely offer influenza vaccine to their patients.

The publicly funded vaccine will be an intramuscular delivered product.

There are other vaccine options available (such as intradermal, intranasal) that will not be delivered through Public Health.

High risk groups and their contacts are recommended to receive the influenza vaccine early. See risk groups.

As in previous years Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will not be reimbursing individuals or businesses for influenza vaccine purchased privately.

Antiviral medications are not currently listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary. Future decisions regarding coverage of antivirals will be based on influenza epidemiology, risk of severe illness, degree of mismatch between vaccine and circulating strains, influenza antiviral drug resistant strain profile and clinical guidance available at that time.

For information on flu clinics, residents can contact their local public health office, physician or regional health authority or call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002. Updated information on clinics is also available through the websites of regional health authorities. For local health services, see the Green Pages in your phone book.

In addition to getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves against seasonal influenza by adopting infection prevention methods such as: frequent handwashing and cough and sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces often and staying at home when sick.


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</TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Flu Vaccinations in Saskatchewan
Information about flu vaccinations in Saskatchewan, the publicly-funded vaccine, benefits, risks, and how to find out more.



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</TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Influenza Self Care
Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus.



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</TD><TD width="100%" align=left>Influenza Information for Schools and Parents
General information about influenza, to help teachers and families better understand the flu.



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/influenza-flu