Pharmacies in Kindersley begin administering flu shot

BY JOAN JANZEN
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

“Get Your Flu Shot” signs were posted well in advance, but October 19th marked the the first day the flu clinics offically began. The pharmacies at the Kindersley Co-op, Pharmasave and Walmart in Kindersley were busy all day with a steady stream of people coming in to register for their flu shot. Many seniors could be seen waiting for their turn, with their health card clutched in their hand.

Although the flow of people coming in for their shots was steady, local pharmacists noted that the numbers were similar to previous years. The Sask Health Authorty stressed the importance of the vaccine for people at high-risk of influenza complications. Those include persons with underlying health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, young children and anyone who is immune-compromised.

Many people took the opportunity to either call their pharmacy in advance to arrange their immunication, or drop in on the first available day on October 19th. On the same day many people also took advantage of the advance polls. Advance voting for the provincial election took place at the Norman Ritchie Centre in Kindersley.

Sask Health Authority made the public aware that the vaccine is also available through public health clinics and some physician and nurse practitioner offices. Children age six months to five years must be immunized at a public health clinic, or by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Because pharmacies and pharmacists are anticipating a greater demand for flu shots this year, the Ministry of Health ordered 36.5 per cent more vaccine doeses than previous years. The flu vaccine is publicly funded and therefore free to Saskatchewan residents who are six months and older.

PHOTO: A steady stream of people lined up for their flu shot last week. | PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST