While the province, and the rest of the world, continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, flu season is coming up.  

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is anticipating increased demand for the flu vaccine this year. To cope with the potential increase, they purchased more of the vaccine from suppliers this year than last year – 36.5 percent more.  

“It is always a good idea to receive the influenza vaccination but it is particularly important during the pandemic,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said.  “Receiving the vaccine will help prevent the spread of influenza.” 

The government also announced they will be providing the high dose vaccine at no cost to more people this year. Previously, it was provided to residents of long-term care facilities at no charge. This year, it will also be made available to residents of personal care homes who are over the age of 65 as well. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some changes to how and where the flu shots will be administered. The changes will include increasing physical distancing and sanitization procedures. More details on what the fall immunization program will look like are expected to be made available in mid-October. 

The Ministry of Health recommends the flu shot for those at a higher risk. This includes seniors, people with underlying chronic health conditions, children under the age of 5 and pregnant women.