Free Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available Across Saskatchewan
Residents of Saskatchewan aged six months and older can now access seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The vaccination campaign was announced at a joint event at Regina’s Eastview Community Centre, where Saskatchewan’s chief medical officer and Indigenous health leaders underscored the importance of getting vaccinated to protect individuals, families, and communities.
Why Now? Protecting Vulnerable Communities
Dr. Ibrahim Khan, regional medical health officer with Indigenous Services Canada, emphasized that Indigenous communities can be particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses that spread easily in close quarters. He urged families to take advantage of the vaccines not just for personal protection but for familial and communal safety. “We encourage everybody to come forward and bring their family, their children,” Khan said. “If you get the flu vaccine, you not only protect yourself, you protect your family and you protect your community.”
Who Should Get Vaccinated This Fall
Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, noted that while vaccines are recommended for everyone, risk levels vary by age and health status. He highlighted groups that stand to gain the most from a yearly fall COVID-19 vaccine alongside influenza shots: adults aged 50 and older with underlying risk factors, those 65 and older, immunosuppressed individuals, and pregnant people. Shahab himself described receiving the vaccines during the event, reinforcing his public health message.
Free and Easy Access
Vaccines are provided free of charge and can be obtained at public health clinics and participating pharmacies. The Saskatchewan Health Authority also indicated that vaccines are available at some doctors’ offices and nurse practitioner clinics. This broad access aligns with the public health goal of increasing coverage ahead of the traditional influenza season, which typically runs from November to April in Canada.
What the Data Says
Recent data from Canada’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage survey show that about 42 percent of all adults received the seasonal flu vaccine, with higher uptake (around 73 percent) among seniors aged 65 and older. Regarding COVID-19, roughly 81 percent of Canadians have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Health officials acknowledge vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier but stressed that reliable information is readily available to help people make informed decisions.
Addressing Questions and Hesitancy
Dr. Tania Diener, a medical health officer with the provincial health authority, acknowledged lingering questions about vaccines. She encouraged residents to speak with public health nurses or other health-care professionals to address concerns and make informed choices about influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other immunizations. “If you have questions about the vaccine and you’re not sure whether you should take it or not, please speak to your public health nurse,” Diener said. “Please speak to a health-care provider that can help you make an informed decision.”
Take Action This Fall
For Saskatchewan residents, the path to protection is simple: identify a nearby vaccination site, whether a public health clinic or a participating pharmacy, and get your shot. Healthcare providers stress that protection from both the seasonal flu and COVID-19 isn’t just personal—it’s a public health act that helps safeguard vulnerable people in every community. As the season progresses, officials will continue to offer guidance and answer questions to ensure residents feel confident about the vaccines they receive.
