Saskatchewan opens up flu, COVID vaccinations Oct. 10

By James Tubb on October 4, 2023.

As Albertans await details about the provincial respiratory immunization campaign, COVID and flu vaccinations in Saskatchewan will begin Oct. 10 after that province’s booking system opened Tuesday.

“It’s important to remember that you’re not only protecting yourself against illness — you’re protecting your family and friends as well,” said Health Minister Everett Hindley, also the MLA for Swift Current, in a release. “Getting immunized is proven in the fight against illness and will help keep you and your loved ones stay healthy.”

Alberta announced Sept. 28 that appointments can be booked on the Alberta Health Services website starting Oct. 10, with shots to follow beginning Oct. 16. After that date, vaccinations will be available at certain pharmacies as well.

The Saskatchewan release states that seniors, those with chronic or immune conditions, young children and pregnant women are considered at highest risk for becoming ill.

Vaccinations are available and free of charge to Saskatchewan residents aged older than six months. Some pharmacies also offer shots, but children younger than five must have vaccines administered by a Saskatchewan Health Authority clinic, a registered physician, or nurse practitioner.

Appointments for both vaccines can be booked for the same time by visiting 4flu.ca or by calling 1-833-727-5829 on weekdays.

Respiratory report

Alberta Heath Minister Adriana Lagrange told reporters on Sept. 28 that the province had already seen 52 confirmed cases of influenza in the first three weeks of September. Over the same period there were 1,470 COVID cases involving 286 hospitalizations and 20 deaths.

The latest public release of COVID and flu information in Saskatchewan shows increasing cases.

For the period Sept. 10-23, released this week, hospitalizations due to COVID rose to 141 in the province over the last four weeks, compared to 91 in the previous period, including 10 ICU cases and two deaths.

Saskatchewan does not publish location-specific case numbers but the latest report states that SHA estimates 41 per cent of the population in the southwest, including Swift Current and Maple Creek, at up to date with their vaccines.