Due to the successful launch of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 booking system, booking eligibility is being expanded to include Saskatchewan residents ages 80 and over. Starting March 12 at 8 a.m., the Saskatchewan Health Authority Patient Booking System will expand COVID-19 vaccine appointment options to include individuals 80 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 (1-833-727-5289) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
COVID-19 VACCINE BOOKING SYSTEM LAUNCH UPDATE:
In the initial hours of Saskatchewan’s new COVID-19 vaccine booking system being launched, 3,836 individuals in Saskatchewan 85 years of age and older have been booked for their COVID-19 vaccine.
Online access as of 2 p.m.:
· 2,898 or 76 per cent of appointments were made on-line;
Telephone access (1-833-SASK-VAX) as of 2 p.m.:
· 938 or 24 per cent of appointments have been booked through the phone line
· The average wait time on the phone was about 126 minutes either on the line, or for those waiting for a call-back.
· The phone line saw a total of 4,524 callers, however some of these calls were from people who were ineligible, wanting to confirm their existing appointment, or those seeking general information for vaccine.
VACCINE INFORMATION:
What you need to know about appointment availability
· Immunizations are only available by-appointment at this time. Drop-in and mobile clinics, as well as access through participating pharmacies will be available in the future.
· You can have a friend or family member call to register or 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 have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
· You have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days.
· You have received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine previously elsewhere.
Remember: 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.
Thank-you for your patience as we enhance COVID-19 immunization access across the province in the coming weeks.
