COVID-19 Immunization Alert: Eligibility for booked appointments expanded

COVID-19 vaccine booking eligibility is being expanded once again in Saskatchewan.Starting March 31 at  8 a.m., eligible groups will be expanded to include all individuals 60 years of age and older, individuals 50 years of age and older living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, all remaining phase one health care workers, and people with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable through an eligibility letter.

Individuals 60 years of age and older

• People meeting this criteria can book their appointment online 24/7 using their health card at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine; or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of
  8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Individuals 50 to 59 years of age living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District

• Booking online is not available for this age group at this time. 
• Individuals meeting this criteria are invited to now book their vaccination by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. 
• A map of this area and the communities within it can be found at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/first-nations-metis-and-northern-community-businesses/economic-development/northern-administration-district
• Individuals 60 years of age and over living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District can utilize online booking according to the instructions above.

All Remaining Phase One Health Care Workers

• All remaining phase one health care workers are invited to book their vaccination by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. 
• Booking online isnot available for this category. These individuals require proof of their eligibility in order to book – this will be provided directly to them by their employer.
• A list of positions that qualify within this category are listed on the saskatchewan.ca website.

People with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable

• Conditions in this category are listed on the saskatchewan.ca website. The majority of these individuals have already been identified by their health care team, and will receive a letter of eligibility in the mail. This letter is required in order to book an appointment. 
• Booking online is not available for this category unless you are 60 years of age and older and have not yet booked an appointment. Otherwise, please call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of
  8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Targeted vaccinations to select congregate living (group homes, those with intellectual disabilities)

SHA is also in the process of connecting with group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities, shelters, and other congregate living facilities to discuss options for immunization.

VACCINE INFORMATION

Some vaccine appointments rescheduled- Moderna delay:

Last week, Saskatchewan Health Authority was made aware that our next expected shipment of 21,300 Moderna vaccines would be delayed up to six days. This delay stems from the manufacturer and is outside of SHA control.
Some appointments already booked will be impacted; however the majority of patients will receive direct notification of their rescheduled appointment through text or email.

Impacted clinics are listed below. Locations remain the same unless otherwise noted:

A small number of patients chose to opt out of notifications from the booking system when they booked by phone. In some cases, appointment times have been adjusted. If you expected a notification but did not receive one, at any time, you can confirm your appointment date and time online- even if you booked over the phone:

1. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine and select ‘My Appointment’ from the top menu once inside the online booking tool; or
2. Need to cancel your appointment, or reschedule for a different date and time?  Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine and select ‘Book or change my appointment.’ You can cancel online even if you booked over the phone. You can also call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) if you are unable to complete your request online.

What you need to know about appointment availability
• Some areas offer additional options for vaccine, such as drive-thru, drop-in and mobile clinics. Access through participating pharmacies will be available in the future. Watch for advertising to see which options are available in your area.
• You can have a friend or family member go online or call to schedule your appointment for you. Identification will be required at the time of the actual appointment.
• You will receive confirmation soon after your appointment has been made. There is no need to call the phone line to confirm appointment details.
• Clinic availability is dependent on vaccine availability. Additional clinics will be added as Saskatchewan receives more doses.
• At this time, existing demand for vaccine far outweighs our available supplies.
• The booking office does not have access to extra appointments than what is available online.
• Second dose appointments are not available at this time. Public communication will take place once these appointments become available.

Individuals are NOT eligible to receive COVID-19 Vaccine at this time if:
• You are less than 80 years of age and you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
• You have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days.

Did you know?It can take up to two weeks to build immunity from your vaccine. Even after being vaccinated, you must continue following all public health orders and guidelines. COVID-19 is everywhere in Saskatchewan. It is the responsibility of every person to strictly adhere to all public health orders and measures, including:

• Keep 2 metres away from others when in public and wear a mask.
• Limit gatherings and ensure gathering sizes do not exceed public health orders.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or mask with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are unwell; seek health care services when you help.
• Regularly monitor your health for any COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing.

While travel to and from Regina is not recommended at this time; travel is permitted for essential services, including medical appointments. Vaccination is considered an essential medical need. If you are in Regina for vaccination, please keep non-essential stops to a minimum in order to keep yourself and others safe.