(CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News

Saskatchewan purchasing more influenza vaccine

Sep 22, 2020 | 10:40 AM

With flu season fast approaching, the Saskatchewan government has increased its order of influenza vaccine.

In a media release Tuesday, the government announced it had purchased 36.5 per cent more vaccine than it did in 2019 in hopes of meeting an expected rise in demand.

As well, high-dose vaccine is available this year for personal care home residents who are 65 years of age or older. Long-term care residents in that age group are to receive the high-dose vaccine for a third straight year.

“It is always a good idea to receive the influenza vaccination but it is particularly important during the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said in the release.

“Receiving the vaccine will help prevent the spread of influenza.”

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Health officials recommend those who are at higher risk — individuals such as seniors, people with underlying health conditions, children under five, and pregnant women — should get a flu shot.

Due to COVID-19, the province will be changing where and how flu shots will be administered this year, with increased physical distancing and sanitization procedures required.

More information about that will be announced when the immunization program starts in mid-October.