Publicly-funded seasonal influenza vaccinations will be available in Saskatchewan beginning October 11, 2011.

The publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccine will be available through public health clinics and physicians to any resident who wants to receive it. However, it is especially encouraged for high risk groups.

The high risk groups include:

• adults 65 and over;
• persons with a chronic health condition or morbidly obese;
• pregnant women;
• children from 6 months to 23 months (under 2);
• residents of a nursing home or other care facility;

Vaccination is also recommended for individuals in close contact with high risk groups:

• household and close contacts of infants and persons who are in the risk groups above;
• occupational groups such as child and daycare workers, community health and care providers, people working with poultry or hogs, health region employees and volunteers, health science students.
  

Everyone is at risk of contracting influenza. However, individuals in high risk groups are at a greater risk of complications and hospitalization. The immunization program is recommending priority vaccination for these people and those in contact with them.

Flu clinics will start on October 11, 2011 and they are organized by regional health authorities. Residents should contact their public health office, physician or regional health authority or call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 to find the nearest flu clinic. Information on flu clinics is also available on the websites of Regional Health Authorities and through the Ministry of Health website.

Clinics will mostly run in mid to late October and November. Details will be available on Regional Health Authorities websites or check with your local public health office.

The seasonal trivalent vaccine for 2011-2012 contains the same three components as the 2010-2011 vaccine. These are an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus, an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus ( B Victoria lineage).

Eight influenza vaccine products are licensed for use in Canada this year. Six (Vaxigrip,® Fluviral,® Influvac®, Fluad®, Fluzone® and Agriflu®) are for intramuscular administration (needle), Intanza® is for intradermal administration (needle) and Flumist® is a live attenuated influenza vaccine for intranasal administration (spray).

Public Health will be administering three products this year as part of the publicly funded program. Agriflu® and Fluviral® will be given to all ages in the general population while Fluad® will be targeted for those ≥ 65 years of age in long term care facilities.

Other licensed vaccines will be available in the market for purchase and use in other settings such as workplace occupational health programs etc. There is no reimbursement for vaccines purchased in the private market.

This is a matter of individual preference and choice. The Ministry of Health does not reimburse for privately purchased vaccine.

Antivirals will be available, if required, by prescription if and when there is evidence of circulation of influenza viruses. The Ministry of Health does not reimburse for purchased antivirals.

Yes. The vaccine will be available through public health clinics and physicians to any resident who wants to receive it.

People who get their vaccine through public health clinics and some physicians receive it free of charge. However, you if purchased the flu shot or received it elsewhere you will not be reimbursed by Saskatchewan Health.

Pharmacies and some health care providers may be selling the vaccine directly or providing it as part of workplace health programs.

Some employers have purchased the flu vaccine and will offer it to their employees through on site clinics.

Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the immunizations that may be offered in their workplace, due to convenience and time saved.

You can protect yourself against seasonal influenza by adopting infection prevention methods such as frequent handwashing and cough and sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces often and staying at home when sick.