The Cypress Health Region has partnered with the Swift Current Broncos again this year to kick off their annual influenza immunization campaign Oct. 9 with a clinic at the iplex during the Broncos' game, followed by a mass public clinic at Walker Place in Swift Current on Oct. 10.
The influenza vaccine has been developed to protect individuals against the anticipated major strains that will be in existence during the current influenza season.
Vaccine is available to all Saskatchewan residents at no cost and anyone can attend any public clinic at any time to receive their immunizations. Individuals wanting to receive their immunizations in Swift Current can visit Walker Place at 2150 Walker Street, the new main location for drop-in clinics this year, located across from ServiceMaster.
"Influenza is more serious than the common cold and can cause significant illness and even death, especially in more vulnerable populations. Getting your seasonal influenza shot helps protect you and those around you," commented Dr. David Torr, Consulting Medical Health Officer for the Cypress Health Region.
"In addition to getting your flu shot, remember to use other methods too that help reduce spreading influenza like washing your hands often, frequently cleaning commonly touched flat surfaces such as door handles, railings, and tables, staying home if you are ill particularly with a flu-like illness, and coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or the crook of your elbow."
In total, 35 clinics will be held throughout the health region during the five-week public campaign, during which 19 communities will be visited by the region’s Public Health Nursing team. Their main objective will be to immunize as many people as possible to protect them and others against the flu.
In addition, the Great Plains College in Swift Current and the City of Swift Current will host clinics this year to provide easy access to the College’s student population and the public.
“In this day and age our influenza vaccine is safe, effective, protective, and in most people will cause no complications,” noted Dr. Torr. “I therefore strongly encourage you to get your annual influenza immunization and encourage your family, friends, and other members of the community to do the same – it is free and available to all.”
For more information regarding the dates and locations of the 2012 seasonal influenza immunization clinics in regional communities, visit the health region’s website www.cypresshealth.ca or phone 306-778-5128 for all clinic details or call the provincial HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002.
Flu clinics in Swift Current
Walker Place: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 13, 15, 23, 27, 30
Great Plains College: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov. 7
Flu clinics in southwest Saskatchewan:
Abbey Legion Hall: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 12
Burstall Senior’s Centre: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 17
Cabri Seniors Centre: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 22
Climax Border Health Centre: Noon – 7 p.m. Oct 22
Consul School: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 2
Eastend Wolf Willow Health Centre: Noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 1
Fox Valley Community Centre: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 22
Gull Lake Elk’s Hall: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 16; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 29
Herbert New Horizons Centre: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Nov. 1
Hodgeville Community Centre: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Oct. 19
Leader Friendship Centre: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Mankota New Horizons: Noon – 4 p.m. Oct 24
Maple Creek Hospital: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Oct 11, 18 and 25
Ponteix Town Hall: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oct 11; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct 26
Shaunavon Wickenheiser Centre: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Oct. 10, 20 and 24
Tompkins Senior Centre: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31
Val Marie Library Bldg.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 18
Vanguard Health Centre, Community Gathering Room: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nov. 6
