Vaccine age drops to 48

COVID-19 Immunization Alert Effective April 16: Vaccine Eligibility Moves to 48 Years and Older; Regina Drive-Thru Changes to 46-54 ONLY; Drive-Thru and Walk-In Schedule

Thursday, April 15, 2021 in News Release

​Effective April 16, 2021 the Saskatchewan Health Authority will be changing the eligibility for immunization to ages 48 years and older. The Northern Saskatchewan Administration District eligibility remains unchanged at 40 years and older. This change applies to booked appointments, drive-thrus and walk-in clinics – with the exception of Regina Drive-Thru, which is open to those aged 46-54.

Drive-Thru and Walk-In Immunization Clinics – as of April 16

New listings and updates highlighted in bold. 

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. 

Additional details for drive-thru and walk-in clinics, including the most up-to-date wait times can be found at: www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax. Those attending drive-thru or walk-ins with previously booked appointments are encouraged to cancel, ensuring the next eligible person can receive vaccine.

The type of vaccine available at a clinic can change depending on a number of factors, but all vaccines are safe, effective and approved for use in Canada. All vaccines available in Canada are extremely effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization.

With a continued increase of COVID-19 variants of concern, additional steps are being taken throughout the province to offer vaccine to younger age groups to keep immunizations progressing as quickly as possible.  In order to accomplish this, the Pfizer/BioNTech will be introduced to all current and future drive-thru immunizations clinics. This change will help to remove any vaccine-related age-barriers that prevent immunization of younger residents.

Booked Appointments – Clinic Changes and Eligibility

Vaccine Eligibility

COVID-19 vaccine booking eligibility changes to 48 years and older, as of 8:00am, April 16, 2021. Booking eligibility remains unchanged for individuals 40 years 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.

Eligible groups include all individuals 48 years of age and older, individuals 40 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 48 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 40 to 47 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 48 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 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Booking online is not 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 48 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 currently in the process of immunizing residents of group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities, shelters, and other congregate living facilities.

Vaccine Clinic Changes/Rescheduling
Vaccine supplies can fluctuate regularly due to a number of factors, including changes from the manufacturer or extreme weather events, for example. When changes are made to booked appointments, patients who registered for notifications will receive an email or text informing them of these updates directly.
At any time, patients are encouraged to confirm their appointment details online – even if you booked over the phone. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and click 'book or change my appointment'. Checking 24 hours in advance of your appointment can prevent unnecessary travel and frustration. 

Individuals are NOT eligible to receive COVID-19 Vaccine at this time if:

• You are under the age of 80 years and have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 day
• You have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days