(File photo/CKOM News Staff).

By Aaron Schulze

Northeast Flu Clinics

Appointment-based flu clinics beginning in the northeast

Oct 17, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Influenza vaccinations will make their rounds across Northeast Saskatchewan throughout autumn.

Although one difference residents can expect in 2020– amidst the coronavirus pandemic– is the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will only run appointment-based flu clinics rather than walk-ins.

James Winkel from SHA Communications told northeastNOW the reasoning is to avoid lineups and ensure public safety and physical distance.

“We will also ensure there are adequate handwashing stations for good hand hygiene and appropriate cleaning between clients and families,” Winkel said. “We are asking the public to bring a mask and their health card to the flu clinics so that we can vaccinate as efficiently and as effectively as we can.”

The SHA is concerned of a “twindemic,” which consists of dueling COVID-19 and flu outbreaks, saying it would place a tremendous burden on Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. Winkel said in a perfect world all residents would get their flu shots, but they are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

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“We closely monitored what happened in the southern hemisphere, as they’re six months ahead of us in terms of their influenza season. Overall, they experienced a very mild season,” he said. “I think this can largely be attributed to an increase in the influenza immunizations, as well as the preventative measures in place for COVID19 – social distancing, wearing masks, and staying home when ill. We hope that will be the situation here as well.”

Northeast appointment-based flu clinic stops include:

Carrot River – Oct. 27 at Carrot River Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hudson Bay – Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., all at Brooks Hall.

Humboldt – Oct. 19 to 22 and Nov. 9 to 10, all at St. Augustine Parish Centre from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Kelvington – Oct. 29 and Nov. 12 at Kelvington Community Legion Hall; times to be determined

Melfort – Oct. 19, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 12, Nov. 18, and Dec. 3 at Kerry Vickar Centre, all from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Nipawin – Oct. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 5, Nov. 10, and Nov. 20 at Nipawin Evergreen Centre, all from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Porcupine Plain – Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., all at Porcupine Plain Community Hall

Tisdale – Oct. 20, Oct. 29, Nov. 3, Nov. 13, Nov. 19, and Dec. 2 at Civic Centre, all from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Watson – Oct. 30 at Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow