Influenza vaccine is free of charge for Saskatchewan residents.  All Saskatchewan residents six months of age and older are eligible to receive the free influenza vaccine as part of the 2012-2013 immunization program. The publicly-funded vaccine is provided through Public Health clinics across Saskatchewan. 

Influenza vaccine will continue to be made available through regional public health offices to those physician offices that routinely offer influenza vaccine to their patients.

Getting the vaccine is particularly recommended for those at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization. High risk groups include people with chronic health conditions, people 65 and over, residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities, children from six months to 59 months and pregnant women. Vaccination is also encouraged for individuals in close contact with those at high risk of influenza-related complications.

As in previous years, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will not be reimbursing individuals or businesses for influenza vaccine purchased privately.

The publicly funded vaccine will be an intramuscular delivered product. There are other vaccine options available (such as intradermal, intranasal) that will not be delivered through Public Health.

Antiviral medications are not currently listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary. Future decisions regarding coverage of antivirals will be based on influenza epidemiology, risk of severe illness, degree of mismatch between vaccine and circulating strains, influenza antiviral drug resistant strain profile and clinical guidance available at that time.

For information on flu clinics, residents can contact their local public health office, physician or regional health authority or call HealthLine at 8-1-1. Updated information on clinics is also available through the websites of regional health authorities. For local health services, see the Green Pages in your phone book.

In addition to getting the vaccine, people can protect themselves against seasonal influenza by adopting infection prevention methods such as: frequent handwashing and cough and sneeze etiquette, cleaning surfaces often and staying at home when sick.

Online information and resources about influenza (the flu) from the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments.