More groups were added to Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility list starting Tuesday.
During the Provincial Emergency Operations Center update Tuesday morning, officials announced that eligibility for boosters has been expanded to groups that have received two doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine five months after their second dose.
Those groups include residents age 50 and older, residents age 18 and older living in the far north of the province, and those living in First Nations communities, all healthcare workers, and people born in 2009 or earlier. with underlying health problems who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including those with diabetes.
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“The province has enough vaccine within the province to support COVID-19 vaccines for all residents 12 years of age and older, pediatric vaccines 5 to 11 years of age, and all booster and third dose vaccines,” announced Marlo Pritchard. , President of Saskatchewan Public Safety. Agency.
“I would like to encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated and get their booster shot as soon as possible.”
The province also announced that the recommended interval for receiving a booster shot between doses has been reduced to five months, instead of six months.
Residents who have already received a third or booster dose, even for travel purposes, do not need a fourth vaccine at this time, according to health officials.
Pritchard noted that more age groups will be added in the coming weeks with the expectation that booster shots will be available to residents 18 and older in early 2022.
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The director of medical health, Dr. Saqib Shahab, anticipates that it will happen in January.
“We have done very well to protect those most at risk by offering them a booster shot,” Shahab said. “We have enough vaccines to accommodate the three key populations as we wait the next few weeks before the holidays.”
Booster dose appointments can be booked through any clinic provided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Indian Services Canada, or the Northern Intertribal Health Authority. Participating pharmacies also accept reservations.
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Derek Miller, SHA’s chief of emergency operations, said his team plans to be able to administer about 260,000 doses at SHA clinics and pharmacies on a monthly basis.
“We currently have about 33,000 appointments available in the reservation system,” shared Miller. “We believe we are well positioned to meet the demands through booked appointments, pop-up clinics, walk-in clinics and community pharmacies.”
The public is reminded not to book your appointment for a booster dose before your five-month eligibility.
More information on eligibility for booster and third doses can be found at Saskatchewan Government Website.
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