Vaccination update: eligibility drops to 45+ on Thursday

From the SHA:

As of June 16, there are more than 3,500 first dose immunization appointments available in Saskatoon and area. If enough residents receive their first vaccinations, the province will be able to enter Step 3 of Saskatchewan's Re-Opening Roadmap. The power to lift most, or all, public health restrictions is in your hands. If 70% of residents aged 18 and older have received their first dose vaccinations by June 20 we will move to Step 3 on July 11. If 70% of residents aged 12 and older have received their first dose vaccinations by June 20 we will move to Step 3 on July 11, and remove the remaining public health restrictions.

Additional Access to First Dose Immunizations

In order to ensure residents have every opportunity to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the SHA has added a number of immunization options, including pop-up clinics in convenient locations such as malls, golf courses, parks, and some large workplaces. As well, we have added Fast Track lanes at some drive-thru and walk-in locations to allow residents still needing a first dose to have priority access (see the drive-thru and walk-in schedule below). Additional clinics are also being considered for some recreational areas, and work-based locations – details to follow as they are confirmed.

See the table below for drive-thru, walk-in, and mobile clinics tomorrow, and check back daily as we add more!

Additional booked appointments throughout the province are also being added regularly as we receive additional allocations of vaccine. Visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 vaccine or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) right now to book your appointment.

Effective, 8:00 a.m., June 17, 2021, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has accelerated access to second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who is 45 years and older OR who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before May 1.

Eligibility for residents of the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD) remains at 18 years and older for second doses regardless of when they received their first dose as long as they have passed the minimum interval between doses for the vaccine brand.

For all other residents, eligibility to book for second doses will be announced according to the age-based and priority sequencing of first doses, as detailed on the Government of Saskatchewan's Second Dose Strategy.

Once an individual is eligible for immunization they remain eligible and can be immunized at any time.

Drive-Thru & Walk-In Immunization Clinics

For the most up-to-date times, clinic addresses and other information please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax. Vaccine supply varies by site and as a result drive-thru/walk-in clinics may run out of a specific vaccine brand, or close early, depending on demand.

First dose only clinics are highlighted blue.
Clinics with First Dose Fast Track Lane are highlighted green.  Second doses remain available at these locations.

All drive-thru and walk-in clinics will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary. Residents can attend at their convenience.  However, if you have a booked appointment and choose to attend a drive-thru or walk-in clinic, please ensure you cancel this appointment to allow others eligible to take your place.

​Age Eligibility as of June 17

For Second Doses:

• all individuals 45 years of age and older,
• all individuals who had their first dose on or before May 1,
• individuals diagnosed with or being treated for cancer, who will receive a letter of confirmation;
• individuals who have received solid organ transplants, who will receive a letter of confirmation;
• residents of NSAD aged of 18 and older, regardless of when they received their first dose, as long as they have a minimum interval between doses of 21 days for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna.

All residents aged 12 and older are eligible for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.  Note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use with residents aged 12 to 17.

Where to Get Immunized

Saskatchewan residents have multiple options for receiving first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. Once an individual is eligible for immunization they remain eligible and can be immunized at any time.

Book an appointment online 24/7 at saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 vaccine.

Call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) to book your appointment, 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Visit a Drive-thru or Walk-in clinic in your community. See the full list of clinics and hours at www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

Visit your local pharmacy. For a list of participating pharmacies, including vaccine brands available, visit   www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

A School Immunization Program is in operation throughout June, for youth 12 and older. For more information visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-youth-vaccine.

Changing Vaccine Brands Between First & Second Doses

As previously announced the Government of Saskatchewan is following guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) allowing residents to receive a different brand of vaccine for their second dose than they received for the first, when eligible per provincial criteria for age OR date.

Persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their second dose, unless contraindicated. Individuals who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for their second dose. If the same mRNA vaccine is not readily available or unknown, another mRNA vaccine can be considered interchangeable and should be offered to complete the vaccine series.

For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines and immunization, visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 vaccine.