With flu season coming up, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging the public to get the flu shot to protect themselves – and others.
“We know that some people can’t get the flu shot because of some medical conditions,” said Hortense Tabien, a medical health officer with the authority. “They might just be immunocompromised or they might not be able to have the flu shot.”
When most people receive the flu shot, those that cannot are protected as they come into contact with fewer people infected with the disease.
In Saskatchewan, the flu shot is free for everybody.
Everybody is at risk at catching the flu. Health Canada says the disease causes 12,200 hospital stays and 3,500 deaths per year, making it among the top 10 cause of death in the country.
Groups more at risk from the disease include children under five years of age, those older than 65, those with health conditions and pregnant women.
“We need to do our best to get protected, especially for the vulnerable groups,” Tabien said.
The medical health office said it was important to note the vaccine targets influenza, She said that sometime people might get vaccinated for influenza and then get the common cold or stomach flu and feel they didn’t get any protection. The common cold and stomach flu around both different conditions linked to different viruses not covered by the influenza vaccine.
Flu shot clinics in Humboldt will be held on Oct. 23, Oct. 24 and Nov. 6 at the St. Augustine Parish Centre. The first two dates will be open from 2 pm to 7 pm, while the last one will be from 4 pm to 7 pm.
