The Saskatoon Health Region figures people are getting the message about how getting a flu shot, not only protects you, but the people you come into contact with.

And the Region's Karen Grauer figures that's why the numbers of people getting vaccinated this fall are up.

The numbers of people getting the flu shot, at the mass immunization clinic at Prairieland Park last week, were up by about 600 this year over 2011.  So far, throughout the Saskatoon Health Region more than 17 thousand people have been immunized against the flu.

Although the mass immunization clinic is closed for the year, there are still opportunities to get a free flu shot.

Grauer says there are 11 rural clinics operating this week in the Saskatoon Health Region and there will be two clinics in the City, one Wednesday at the Lawson Heights Alliance Church from 9:30 to 7:30 and one on Saturday at the West Portal Church on 33rd from 9 to 4.