By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Health officials are once again urging the public to get vaccinated as flu season approaches.
Those looking for the influenza vaccine have extra options this year, as for the first time, Saskatchewan pharmacists are allowed to provide the vaccine to their customers.
About 200 of the 360 community pharmacies across the province will offer the vaccine, including Midway Pharmacy in Davidson.
Pharmacist Dave Nykiforuk said he and his staff were allowed to start administering vaccinations last Monday. As of noon on Wednesday, about 10 customers had requested the vaccine.
While the pharmacy may start setting appointments if demand increases, Nykiforuk said for now that customers may simply come in and request to be vaccinated.
New legislation, introduced last year and officially adopted earlier this month, allows the province’s pharmacists to administer vaccines and drugs, such as flu shots and injections of vitamin B12.
Health regions across the province will also continue to offer the vaccine at the standard public clinics, being held between late October and early November.
The vaccine is offered free of charge, whether taken at a clinic or at a pharmacy. Patients must present their provincial health card to receive the vaccine at pharmacies.
The flu vaccine is available for residents six months of age or older. Children aged nine or older can receive the vaccine at a pharmacy, but younger children must be vaccinated at a clinic.
In a news release, Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said he encourages everyone, especially those at a high risk and their caregivers, to get vaccinated.
Those at a high risk of developing complications from the flu include pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
“Getting vaccinated early in the fall is the best way to protect yourself, your family and others around you during flu season,” Dr. Shahab was quoted.
In addition to the traditional vaccination, a nasal vaccine (FluMist) is being offered at the clinics as an option for children between the ages of two and 17.
According to the province, vaccines used this year include two influenza A viral components (H1N1 and H3N2) and one or two influenza viral B component(s). The World Health Organization has predicted that these strains are most likely to circulate in the coming season.
The Ministry of Health has estimated the effectiveness of the vaccine at around 60 per cent in healthy persons, but also stated that it is dependent upon multiple factors.
These include the match between strains in the vaccine and strains circulating in the patient’s community, as well as the patient’s age and immune response.
The province also stated that it is more effective in those who are younger and generally healthy, but may be less effective in older people. Those who get the flu after receiving the vaccine usually have a milder illness and are less likely to require hospitalization.
For the full story, including a listing of all clinics scheduled in Davidson and district this fall, please see the Oct. 26 edition of The Davidson Leader.