Community Outreach Highlights the Importance of Seasonal Vaccinations
At a recent joint event at Regina’s Eastview Community Centre, Saskatchewan’s top medical voices underscored the importance of getting the seasonal flu shot and the annual COVID-19 vaccination. The goal is simple: protect individuals, families, and entire communities by making vaccines accessible to all residents aged six months and older.
Dr. Ibrahim Khan, regional medical health officer with Indigenous Services Canada, spoke about the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous communities when illnesses spread in close quarters. He emphasized that vaccination is not only about personal protection but also about safeguarding loved ones and the broader community. “We encourage everybody to come forward and bring their family, their children,” he said, highlighting the role of vaccines in communal resilience.
Who Should Consider Getting the Shots
The provincial health officers acknowledge that while everyone can benefit from the vaccines, risk levels are not uniform across age groups and health conditions. Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, outlined key groups that stand to gain the most from a yearly fall vaccination against both influenza and COVID-19. He noted that adults aged 50 and older with underlying risk factors, adults 65 and older, individuals who are immunosuppressed, and pregnant people should especially consider getting the vaccines each season.
“If you are 50 and older with underlying risk factors, or 65 and older, anyone who is immunosuppressed, if you’re pregnant — these are all the risk groups who will benefit from a yearly fall COVID vaccine as well as influenza vaccine,” he said, before receiving his own vaccines as a demonstration of public confidence and leadership.
Accessibility and Cost
Vaccinations are available free of charge to all residents. Key access points include public health clinics and participating pharmacies, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority also confirming availability at some doctors’ offices and nurse practitioner clinics. The broad distribution approach is designed to reach people where they live, work, and obtain regular health care.
Officials reiterated that the flu season in Canada generally runs from November through April. While severe outcomes from influenza are less common than in some past seasons, flu-related hospitalizations and complications remain a concern, especially for higher-risk populations. As vaccination coverage improves, communities can experience reduced transmission and support for our health care system during peak periods.
Public Perception and Guidance from Health Professionals
Survey data from Canada indicates that vaccination rates vary, with roughly 42% of adults reporting influenza vaccination in the latest Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage survey. Seniors tend to have higher uptake, and roughly 81% of Canadians have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. In this context, public health officials acknowledge vaccine hesitancy as a challenge but remain committed to informing residents with credible resources.
Dr. Tania Diener, a medical health officer with the provincial health authority, encouraged residents with questions to engage with health professionals. “I really would like to encourage anyone who has questions about the vaccine and who’s not sure whether they should take it or not, not just for influenza and COVID vaccines, but any other vaccines … please speak to your public health nurse,” she said. “Please speak to a health-care provider that can help you make an informed decision.”
Take Action: Protect Your Community
With vaccines readily available and trusted medical voices guiding the public, Saskatchewan residents have a clear path to protection this season. By choosing to get vaccinated, individuals reduce their own risk and contribute to the safety net that supports hospitals, long-term care facilities, and vulnerable populations across the province.
