Three more admitted to ICUs
There have been no more influenza-related deaths in Saskatchewan in the past week, but three more people have been admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).
A total of 63 Saskatchewan residents have been admitted to ICUs this flu season.
On Friday, Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, noted the number of labconfirmed cases has risen to 1,269 — an increase of 85 from last week.
It’s too early to say exactly how many residents received their flu shots since immunization clinics opened in October.
Shahab expects the Ministry of Health will do a summary in four to six weeks, but added: “With the clinics that were done over the last few weeks, I think we will end up immunizing significantly more than what we did last year.”
He is pleased with the number of young children vaccinated this flu season.
“We’ve been tracking children, six months to two years, and that’s at 43 per cent, so that’s very good,” he said.
“Children, two to five years, is at 27 per cent. Overall, these two groups were a high priority this year and the numbers have come up quite significantly. That is very reassuring,” Shahab said.
The last flu clinics will be held Monday, but vaccine will still be available by appointment.
Now that fewer people are seeking flu shots, the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region closed its influenza appointment line Friday.
Children under nine years who had one dose this year, but who have never had influenza vaccine in a previous year, require a second dose four weeks after the first dose.
Appointments for those children can be made by calling 306-766-7500.
Beginning Monday, members of the public who are still interested in receiving an influenza vaccination can call 306-766-7500.
People living in the region’s rural areas should contact their local public health office.
As of Tuesday, four RQHR public health staff vaccinated about 48,000 people at this flu season’s clinics, which began in October. Approximately 13,000 of those vaccinations have been provided since Dec. 30.