As winter approaches, which brings with it flu season, health experts in Saskatchewan, in the Canadian Midwest, are urging residents to get vaccinated. The experts express concerns about the declining vaccination rate across the province, even though COVID-19 still poses a threat.

Despite everything, some residents of the province are hesitant to get the flu vaccine. This is especially true for Anthony Piscal, a resident of Saskatoon, who believes that the last booster shot he received against COVID-19 will be enough to protect him.

A student at the University of Saskatchewan stated that he is also not considering getting the flu vaccine. The university student points out that he has never received the flu vaccine in his life and contracts influenza every two years.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health in Saskatchewan, Saqib Shahab, mentioned that there is indeed an increase in the number of cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the province. He urges Saskatchewan residents to do everything possible to protect themselves.

Dr. Shahab pointed out that "in the past, the vaccination rate against influenza in the province was around 66%, especially among people aged 65 and older. This rate dropped to about 62% last year.

This is also what Dr. Joseph Blundo, the director of the clinical microbiology department at the University Hospital in Saskatoon, sees.

The latter clarified that "there is always an advantage to getting the latest vaccine, as it provides you with a level of protection that you do not have if you only received the first two doses of the original vaccine."

Despite the reluctance of some, others are responding to the call of health professionals.

This is particularly true for young Jessica Collins, a Saskatoon resident, who received her new COVID-19 and flu vaccine earlier this week. She is now encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to follow her example.

Collins also said, "There is no doubt that the vaccine is modified every year, and the new Moderna vaccine covers more variants of the coronavirus, so I just want to ensure my safety and the safety of my family and everyone."

For his part, Michael Fugere, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Pharmacies Association, confirmed that this fall's booster shot could strengthen immunity and provide more safety for infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.