LAUNCH OF PUBLICLY FUNDED INFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM DELAYED

Publicly funded influenza immunization clinics for high-risk individuals are scheduled to begin across the province on Monday, November 6th, about a month later than usual. High-risk individuals should still be able to receive their immunization before the peak of flu season, which typically does not occur until mid December or later.

"Even though our vaccine supplies are arriving a bit later than other years, there is no shortage and we will receive all doses ordered," Chief Medial Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "The delay will compress the timeframes for delivery of the public program slightly."

The first priority is to protect those people most at risk for complications from influenza. The high-risk group includes people over age 65, residents of any long-term care facilities, children between the ages of six to 23 months and anyone with a chronic health condition.

The start date for the public program was delayed because flu vaccine manufacturers, who produce the public vaccine supply for all provincial influenza programs, reported problems growing one of the strains recommended for this year's flu shot. Saskatchewan will still receive its full amount of required vaccine.

A smaller allotment of vaccine will be available by mid-October and will be used in the event of an early outbreak of influenza in a community and for immunization in long-term care facilities.

Private sales of vaccine may be available earlier. People considered high-risk and eligible for the free flu shots will not be reimbursed for purchase of vaccine outside the public program.

Regional Health Authorities will provide more details on local flu shot clinics.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083