Vaccination roll-out transitioning to outreach Aug. 8

Since Friday, more than 14,000 COVID-19 vaccinations were delivered in the province.  With 74 per cent of Saskatchewan residents 12+ with their first dose and 62 per cent fully vaccinated, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is shifting their vaccination focus from mass vaccination to focused outreach, targeting those in the province who are under and unvaccinated.

As of Aug. 8, the SHA will discontinue drive-thru and appointments booked through their online system and 1-833-SASKVAX, shifting to walk-in clinics in public venues throughout the province including planned summer events, post-secondary campuses, retail locations including grocery stores, powwows, provincial parks and recreations areas, community centres and more.

“Achieving the highest possible vaccination rate is the best way to prevent COVID-19 transmission,” Saskatchewan Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “This focused outreach is to further drive first and second dose uptake, meeting residents where they live, work and play and support individuals in their decision to make our province as safe as possible.”

“The provincial vaccination program will not stop,” Merriman continued. “But all residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the readily available and convenient clinic options available now through August 8.  First or second dose, now is the time to stick it to COVID.”

Participating Saskatchewan pharmacies will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to encourage all residents to be immunized with both doses as soon as they are eligible,” Saskatchewan Health Authority, Emergency Operation Centre Vaccine Chief Sheila Anderson said. “As much progress as we've made toward immunizing the province we want to remind people that COVID-19 is still here and we will see cases throughout the summer, especially for unvaccinated individuals.” 

Saskatchewan residents should take the opportunity to be vaccinated even as they head out on summer holidays with their family and friends before they go on vacation or should check out local clinics where they are vacationing in Saskatchewan. 

Starting today, the daily SHA clinic locations will be promoted in the daily COVID-19 case news release.

Details on clinic locations and times is listed on the SHA website.  Please note, these vaccine clinics are subject to change based on demand. Any changes to clinic hours and location will be updated online. 

Saskatchewan now has vaccine supplies to fully immunize 85 per cent of our population. Supply will not be a limiting factor on the province achieving vaccination goals. Currently, there are 128,000 doses of Pfizer available through SHA and pharmacies, available for residents 12-17 and those seeking to complete their vaccine series with a matched second dose, if desired. 

It is safe to receive any mRNA vaccine as a second dose and all residents require both doses of the approved two-dose vaccines in order to achieve optimum protection, particularly against the Delta variant, which is circulating in Saskatchewan now. 

All Saskatchewan residents 12 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 immunization. Those who have received their first dose of vaccine are eligible to receive their second dose following a 28 day interval.  Whether seeking your first or second dose, vaccination appointments can currently be booked with Saskatchewan Health Authority online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 or by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829). Appointments will be booked up to Aug. 8. 

Street addresses and hours of operation for SHA drive-thru and walk-in clinics are available at www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.

Pharmacies will continue to offer appointment bookings and/or walk-in vaccinations based on demand and capacity, making optimal use of vaccine supplies delivered to them.  A map of participating pharmacies across the province is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.  This online tool includes links to pharmacy booking websites and provides details on the vaccine brand being offered at each location. 

General public inquiries may be directed to [email protected].