Health Canada has confirmed that flu vaccine made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis is safe for use. It lifted a precautionary hold on the vaccines today. Health Canada found no safety issues with the vaccines, based on its own testing, information provided by its European partners and data submitted by Novartis.
"We have full confidence in the safety and effectiveness of our immunization program, and we're pleased to be able to resume immunization clinics," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "Influenza vaccine is an effective way for people to stay healthy during flu season, and we encourage people to be vaccinated."
The Cypress Health Region has scheduled the following influenza vaccination clinics:
Today - Herbert New Horizon's Centre, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Today - Eastend Wolf Willow Health Centre, noon to 7 p.m.
Friday - Consul School, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
November 6 - Vanguard Health Centre, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
November 7 - Swift Current (Great Plains College gymnasium), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rescheduled Flu Clinic Dates to replace clinics that were cancelled between October 27 and October 31:
November 5 - Gull Lake Elk's Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
November 7 - Leader Friendship Centre, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 8 - Tompkins Senior Centre, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
November 8 - Swift Current, Walker Place, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 13 - Swift Current, Walker Place, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health Canada advises that people who have already received a Novartis influenza vaccine do not need to be revaccinated.
