You can now book an appointment to get a flu shot and the government is strongly urging Saskatchewan residents to do so.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Health Minister Paul Merriman said, “Protecting yourself and your loved ones from contracting influenza is a simple thing we can all do to further ease the pressure on our health care system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

And for the first time, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is providing an online option for booking your appointment. Appointments can also be booked by phone. .

SHA operated flu shot clinics begin on October 12. All Saskatchewan residents ages six months and older are eligible to get a free influenza vaccine every year.

As well this year, COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at most flu shot clinics operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. You can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time and location. The COVID-19 vaccinations can also be booked using the same online flu shot appointment tool at www.4flu.ca. If you need both a COVID and flu shot, only one appointment is needed. Health staff are trained to offer both vaccines to those eligible.

Health officials say all Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Pharmacies are also, again, making flu hots available and more than 380 pharmacies in the province will administer a flu shot this year.

A complete list of pharmacies offering influenza vaccinations this season can be found on the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan website at https://www.skpharmacists.ca/site/patients/flu-shots.

A flu shot booking tool is now available on their website at www.4flu.ca. Flu shot appointments can also be booked by telephone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-787-5829).