Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is set to expand in two different ways in the coming days.
On Sunday at 8 a.m., the age of eligibility to get a first dose of the vaccine will drop from 23 and older to 20 and over. The age remains at 18 and over in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District.
Also Sunday, the hours of operation for the SASKVAX call centre will change to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Then, on Monday, the process of getting second doses will start for those 85 and over or anyone who received their first dose before Feb. 15.
People who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer and those who have received solid organ transplants also will start to receive letters of eligibility in the mail that will allow them to get a second dose.
On Monday, second doses will be available at participating pharmacies, at drive-through or walk-in clinics and at clinics operated by Indigenous Services Canada and the Northern Inter-tribal Health Authority (NITHA).
According to the Ministry of Health, the SHA’s online booking system for second doses will open Tuesday at 8 a.m.
The eligibility for second doses for other residents will be announced based on age and priority sequencing of first doses.
Age eligibility changing
In addition to those who are eligible by age, all remaining Phase 1 health-care workers, additional frontline workers (such as teachers, firefighters, corrections officers and border security officers) and people with underlying health conditions who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable through an eligibility letter.
People who are eligible can book online or by calling 1-833-727-5829. They also can make an appointment at a pharmacy or they can go to a drive-through or walk-in clinic.
Second doses
The ministry said the clinic or pharmacy administering the second dose will check the timing of a person’s first dose before giving them a second shot, thus making sure they’re eligible.
The person giving the shot also will check the brand of vaccine given in the first dose.
“At this time, public health is planning to offer your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to match the brand of your first dose,” the ministry said. “National reviews of the safety and efficacy of interchanging the second dose brand are ongoing and the provincial policy on maintaining the same brand for the second dose may be updated following this review.”