Canada’s fall Immunization push begins as Saskatchewan hits 11,515 vaccine bookings
Saskatchewan health officials kicked off the Fall Immunization Program with frontline workers and residents alike rolling up their sleeves to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The province reported 11,515 immunization appointments booked as of Tuesday morning, signaling strong public participation and a collective commitment to protecting households before the respiratory illness season peaks.
Who’s eligible and how to get protected
All Saskatchewan residents aged six months and older are eligible for free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) notes that children between six months and four years can be immunized at SHA influenza and COVID-19 clinics, public health offices, or through physicians and nurse practitioners. As vaccines become available through clinics, participating pharmacies, and some medical offices, residents are encouraged to book ahead to confirm availability.
Why now? Expert guidance on timing and risk
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab emphasized the importance of vaccination even as current influenza and RSV activity remains relatively low. He warned that case numbers tend to rise in the fall and that hospitalizations often follow, underscoring why vaccination is a prudent step before the spikes begin. “Every fall, we see these respiratory illnesses pick up, and so do, unfortunately, hospitalizations,” Shahab said, urging residents to secure shots during the first two to three weeks of the clinics’ opening.
Where to get vaccinated
Vaccines are available through SHA influenza and COVID-19 clinics, some physician and nurse practitioner offices, and participating pharmacies. residents can book through SHA’s online system or call 1-833-727-5829, Monday through Friday. For those managing busy schedules, walk-in clinics are listed online, and the SHA supports either vaccine in a single appointment or one for each disease—it’s the choice of the patient.
Who should take extra precautions?
The SHA highlights higher risk among seniors, individuals with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems, children under five, and pregnant women. These groups are strongly encouraged to get both vaccines as soon as possible to reduce potential complications from respiratory illnesses.
Indigenous communities: improving access and reconciliation
Indigenous health-care professionals joined Tuesday’s vaccination push, with public health nurse Pauline “Sunshine” Dreaver of the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority underscoring the work to improve accessibility in First Nations communities. Transport options and pop-up clinics are part of ongoing efforts to ensure no one is left behind, particularly in northern regions. Indigenous Services Canada’s Dr. Ibrahim Khan echoed the message: vaccines protect individuals, families, and communities by reducing severe outcomes and hospitalizations, and they encouraged families to participate together.
A shared goal: tradition without the flu
“Share tradition, not the flu,” Dr. Khan summarized, framing vaccination as a collective duty to safeguard cultural gatherings, schools, workplaces, and households. As the season progresses, Saskatchewan’s vaccination drive aims to keep communities healthier and more resilient, enabling families to celebrate traditions without an added respiratory health burden.
