The number of people infected with influenza increases due to the new coronavirus infection, as vaccinations get into full swing in autumn

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With cold and flu season just around the corner and COVID-19 and flu cases on the rise, the state announced vaccinations will be made more readily available across the state.

Starting October 10, vaccinations will be available at public health clinics, local pharmacies, and some doctors’ and nurses’ offices.

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“It’s important to remember not only to protect yourself from illness, but also to protect your family and friends,” Health Secretary Everett Hindley said in a statement. “Getting vaccinated is proven in the fight against disease and will help keep you and your loved ones healthy.”

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Last month, the SHA restarted its biweekly Regional Respiratory Disease Surveillance Program (CRISP) report, which provides updated information on COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases across the state. did. Reports were released monthly throughout the summer.

The latest report from September 10 to September 23 shows that the number of positive COVID-19 cases has increased from an average of 95 positive tests over the past three weeks to the most recent monitoring week in which tests were conducted. The number of cases has increased by about 50% over the past month, to 159 people. The positivity rate is 9.5 percent.

According to the report, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses account for “54% and 44% of respiratory illness hospitalizations statewide, respectively.” At the same time, the total number of hospitalizations for respiratory viruses increased by 35% “from 170 to 263 in the last four weeks.”

The number of RSV infections remains low, with the latest report reporting five cases in the state. The number of influenza cases is on the rise, but remains below the 2% seasonal test positivity threshold.

Two people died from COVID-19 within the most recent monitoring week. Hospital admissions and ICU admissions also increased from 91 to 141 and from 10 to 13, respectively.

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Naseem Muhajarin, a community health and epidemiology professor at the University of Saskatchewan, said people need to be careful as cases rise, especially ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend when there will be a rush of travel and indoor family gatherings. He said that there is.

“We have learned these lessons, in some ways the hard way, over the past three years,” Muhajarin said. “These lessons must not be forgotten and must be put into practice now. We are already seeing their numbers increase this fall.”

The state plans to roll out a reformulated coronavirus vaccine that targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant. Muhajarin says it’s important to consider getting a reformulated vaccine and think of it like your annual flu shot.

“(The vaccine) is specifically formulated to deal with the variants of the virus that are currently circulating among us,” Muhajarin said. “In that sense, it’s similar to the flu vaccine.”

Muhajarin says masks should also be considered to prevent the spread of the disease as people spend more time indoors. Mask-wearing remains optional in health care settings across the province, but could become mandatory until the outbreak continues, Premier Spokesperson Julie Leggott said in an email.

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Older adults, people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, children under 5, and pregnant women are considered to be most at risk of contracting influenza and COVID-19 and should receive the vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that you get vaccinated.

“We will continue to provide high-dose influenza vaccinations free of charge to all seniors in Saskatchewan,” Hindley said. “I strongly encourage everyone, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Influenza vaccinations are available to all eligible residents of the state six months of age and older. The state says children between 6 months and 5 years old can only be vaccinated at the SHA’s public flu clinic, health office, or by a doctor or nurse.

Eligible individuals can reserve flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time for themselves or a family member through the SHA’s online booking tool.

If residents prefer to visit a pharmacy, they are encouraged to contact the pharmacy directly to determine if they are offering the latest COVID-19 vaccines.

AnAmato@Postmedia.com

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