CANADA, December 8 - Released on December 8, 2021

Two months in to the 2021-22 influenza vaccination campaign, nearly 300,000 Saskatchewan residents have received their flu shot.

"The flu vaccine is a safe, effective and simple way to prevent illness in yourself and others," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "A simple way to keep your loved ones healthy. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time out of their busy lives to get their annual flu shot, and remind those who haven't they can still do so."

In October and November, approximately 295,165 flu shots have been administered by public health, First Nations, pharmacists, physicians and other providers.

Saskatchewan residents are embracing a new online appointment booking feature being offered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).  In its first year of operation, the new online booking tool already accounts for 89 per cent of flu shot appointments made at SHA locations.

"The addition of the Saskatchewan Health Authority patient booking system and the SASKVAX line to book influenza immunization appointments for both individuals and groups has been a significant enhancement to this year's flu campaign," Vaccine Chief responsible for SHA’s COVID-19 immunization campaign Sheila Anderson said.  "Being able to receive a flu shot while being immunized for COVID-19 has also provided added convenience, particularly for those who are now also taking their children to be immunized for COVID-19."

The flu shot booking tool is available at www.4flu.ca.  Flu shot appointments can also be booked by telephone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829).

Pharmacies continue to be a valued option for Saskatchewan residents seeking flu shots.  To date, 165,000 influenza vaccines (55 per cent) have been administered in approximately 400 pharmacy locations across the province.

"We are very happy to be a part of the health care team and able to administer flu shots for the last seven years in pharmacies," Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan CEO Michael Fougere said. "Pharmacists continue to step up and offer services like flu shots during the pandemic, making health care more accessible for the residents of Saskatchewan.  We encourage anyone who has not yet received their flu shot to book an appointment today."

A complete list of pharmacies offering influenza vaccinations this season can be found on the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website at https://www.skpharmacists.ca/site/patients/flu-shots.

All Saskatchewan residents ages six months and older are eligible to get a free influenza vaccine every year.

The flu vaccine is a safe, effective way to help people stay healthy, prevent illness and save lives.

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For more information, contact:

Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083 Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca