Saskatchewan reaches 80% mark for first doses of COVID vaccines

Saskatchewan has reached a milestone in its response to COVID-19.

In a media release Friday, the provincial government said 80 per cent of all residents who are eligible to get their first dose of a COVID vaccine have done so. As well, 71 per cent of those 12 and over have got two shots.

According to the government, vaccinations have increased significantly since it announced Sept. 16 people would need proof of vaccination or a negative test to gain access to some establishments, businesses and event venues as of Oct. 1.

As well, all government and Crown corporation employees must be vaccinated by Oct. 1, or have consistent proof of negative tests if they’re unable to be immunized.

“First doses more than doubled in the past week compared to the week before,” the government said.

“From September 10-16, the province administered 15,358 vaccinations. Of those, 7,052 (46 per cent) were first doses. From September 17-23, the province administered 25,958 vaccinations. Of those, 14,801 (57 per cent) were first doses.”

That represented a 69 per cent increase from week to week.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to hold pop-up vaccination clinics around the province in hopes of getting more people immunized.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health reported there were 460 new cases, with 381 of those among unvaccinated people. That included 111 children under the age of 11, the only group that isn’t eligible for a vaccine.

Of the 273 COVID patients in Saskatchewan hospitals on Thursday, 207 weren’t fully vaccinated.

People can get their proof of vaccination through their MySaskHealthRecord account. It’s available on a QR code, which can be downloaded, saved, printed and viewed on mobile devices.

MySaskHealthRecord accounts can be created here.

People can see how to access their QR codes on mobile devices here or on their desktop here.

Wallet cards received at the time of vaccination also can be proof of immunization, depending on the policies of the Saskatchewan business or venue.