CANORA - Canora and area residents had the opportunity to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at Rainbow Hall on Oct. 12. Clients could get both COVID and flu vaccinations if they so choose, or just one or the other.
Kelly Strelioff, Canora Public Health Nurse, said it was a “steady day, good uptake.”
Strelioff reported that a total of 222 individuals received Influenza vaccine and 187 received COVID vaccine, with many taking advantage of the opportunity to get both.
She reminds Canora and area residents that there will be more opportunities to get vaccinated in the coming weeks.
SHA (Saskatchewan Health Authority) is offering the influenza vaccination for the general population, as well as the Fluzone High Dose Influenza Vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older.
Residents are reminded that everyone six months of age or older can receive a free flu shot, according to information from SHA. An allergy to eggs is not a valid reason for a person not to receive a flu vaccination. A person cannot get the flu from a flu vaccination.
Influenza is caused by a virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with nose and throat secretions. It can result in hospitalization and death, especially in very young children, the elderly and those who have underlying health conditions. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, a headache and a runny nose. Infected people can spread the virus to others before they show any symptoms. Influenza vaccination should not be delayed because of minor or moderate acute illness, with or without fever.
Residents are urged to be immunized every year to protect themselves and everyone around them, continued the SHA information. Influenza is highly recommended for chronic health conditions such as: lung and/or heart diseases, asthma, diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), neurological conditions, cancer, kidney disease, severe obesity, and children on long term aspirin therapy. Pregnant women in all trimesters are encouraged to get vaccinated.
After the flu vaccination, protection (antibodies) develops within two-three weeks in most healthy children and adults. Effectiveness varies depending on the age, the immune response of the person immunized, and the match between the vaccine viral strains and the influenza viral strains circulating in the community.
Vaccination against COVID-19 was also available at the Canora clinic. Residents are reminded that symptoms of COVID can include: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, tiredness and loss of smell or taste. Even people with mild symptoms may feel unwell for a long time after a COVID infection. It is important to note that infected people can spread the infection even if they have no symptoms.
Those immunized should stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated, and occurs in less than one in one million people who get the vaccine. If this happens after you leave the clinic, get medical attention or call 911 right away.
For more information please speak with the person providing the vaccine or contact your local public health office, your physician, nurse practitioner, or call 811.
Upcoming clinics in Canora and the surrounding area include:
- Oct. 19: Rama Golden Jet Centre, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Oct. 26: Canora Rainbow Hall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Canora Rainbow Hall, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Nov. 13: Invermay Hall, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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