Saskatchewan flu vaccine clinics open, FluMist in limited supply

Most parents who want their children to avoid a needle while getting a flu vaccination are out of luck.

The spray version of the vaccine called FluMist won't be available in much of Saskatchewan until the end of October.

The Saskatoon Health Region has a limited supply of FluMist available this week at its PrairielandParkclinic. It will receive more of the vaccine at the end of the month.

The medication is manufactured in the United States, and Canada is getting the second batch to bemade this year.

Health Regions are offering the flu shot for free to anyone who wants one.

• Time to cool rhetoric on vaccinations, Regina mom says

All residents older than six months can receive theflu vaccine.

This is the first year Saskatchewan pharmacists will be able to provide free flu shots. A bill to expand the role of pharmacists was introduced to the Saskatchewan Legislature in October 2014.

The government said about 200 pharmacies plan to participate.

Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab recommends everyone get vaccinated, but particularly those who are at high risk of complications from influenza. Those groups include pregnant women, young children, seniors, and people with underlying health conditions.

Clinics in Regina run until Dec. 21.

Here are some of the dates and locations around Saskatoon:

• Flu clinic locations for the City of Saskatoon
• Locations outside Saskatoon
• Saskatoon Senior-Assisted Living sites

Here are some of the dates and locations around Regina:

• Find Regina influenza clinics
• Information for rural Regina residents
• Fort Qu'Appelle and area influenza clinics
• Grenfell and Area influenza clinics