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By Jaryn Vecchio

Flu Shots

Flu season fast approaching in Saskatchewan, SHA encourages getting vaccinated

Sep 25, 2023 | 11:12 AM

People across Saskatchewan are being encouraged to get their flu shot in the coming weeks.

The annual influenza season is fast approaching with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) setting up clinics in communities across the province.

The last season hit Saskatchewan hard, though this was mainly due to what people called the ‘tripledemic’ as COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were also lingering around.

Dr. Ahmed Faress, a Medical Health Officer with the SHA, said there’s a possibility this will happen again.

“The hope is that after COVID last year with everybody back out, hopefully, it gave the population the possibility of some herd immunity.”

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Despite this, Faress noted it’s impossible to predict how many cases of each virus there will be.

People can help limit the number of cases by getting vaccinated.

“What that allows the body to do, our immune system more specifically, is to learn to recognize that specific bacteria or virus so if we are exposed to it our bodies are kind of primed and ready to mount an adequate immune response,” Faress said.

While vaccines are the number one way to fight off the viruses, Faress understands some people are hesitant about them. He noted people can also limit their exposure by following proper hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and wearing masks when possible.

“Getting vaccinated is important but there are also other measures,” Faress added.

Flu clinics will be up and running across the province starting in October. Multiple pharmacies will also be providing shots as well.

People wanting to know more about COVID and how to get vaccinated, as well as RSV, can visit the SHA’s website.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow