PUblic Health Nurse Janette Egland vaccinating NP Sherry Hornung. Photo submitted by CJSN Radio.

 

The best way to protect yourself and your family from influenza is through immunization.

The Cypress Health Region is currently holding free Flu Clinics around the southwest. The vaccine is recommended for all residents six months of age and older, and is free of charge to Saskatchewan residents.

Shaunavon Nurse Practitioner, Sherry Hornung, says the Public Health Nurse will have a few questions for you before you receive your immunization. "You have to be healthy at the day of your flu vaccine. They check with you about all of your allergies and it's just a really good routine thing to do on a yearly basis."

The vaccine is very important for high risk patients including pregnant women, young children and the elderly. For some people, influenza can lead to severe complications that require hospitalization or worse.

Shaunavon Doctor Hong Tran says, "Well, prevention is the key to medicine, and I think in terms of preventing anything this is probably one of the biggest things that we can do to help on a public scale."

Remember to bring your Saskatchewan Health Card with you when you come to be vaccinated.

Thirty eight Flu Shot Clinics are being held around the southwest during the coming weeks. To find a Clinic near you go to the Cypress Health webpage.

Doctor Hong Tran receiving his flu shot from Public Health Nurse, Janette Egland. Photo submitted by CJSN Radio.