With flu season right around the corner, the Ministry of Health is purchasing more over a third more  vaccine than last year to meet what is expected to be an increase in demand.

In a release from the Saskatchewan government Tuesday morning, Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says it is always a good idea to receive the influenza vaccination but it is particularly important during the pandemic as receiving the vaccine will help prevent the spread of influenza.”

Another enhancement to the seasonal influenza immunization program is the addition of no cost access to the high dose vaccine for personal care home residents 65 years of age or older.  Long-term care residents in the same age bracket will receive the high dose vaccine at no cost again for the third year.

Flu shots are recommended for those at higher risk, including seniors, people with underlying chronic health conditions, children under five and pregnant women.  Seniors often have chronic health conditions (like heart or lung disease or diabetes) and weaker immune systems, which makes them particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza.

There will be modifications to where and how flu shots will be administered this year.  To accommodate public health precautions due to COVID-19, there will be increased physical distancing and sanitization procedures.  Details will be available when the fall immunization program gets underway in mid-October.