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Saskatchewan residents won’t be paying out of pocket for COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
The Ministry of Health confirmed Thursday the shots remain part of the province’s publicly funded immunizations program.
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“In Saskatchewan, COVID-19 vaccines are a part of the provincially funded immunizations program. Saskatchewan residents who have a valid Saskatchewan health card are eligible to receive a publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dale Hunter, the health ministry’s senior media relations constant, in a statement.
Hunter added the fall immunization campaign is set to begin in early October.
The decision puts Saskatchewan at odds with some other provinces.
Alberta announced back in August that $100 administration fee will apply to those who don’t fall under the “free” eligibility categories such health care workers, all residents of continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations, home care clients, individuals six months of age and older with underlying medical or immune compromising conditions and individuals experiencing houselessness, according to the Government of Alberta’s COVID-19 website.
The Government of Quebec’s health website says most people will no longer have access to free vaccines unless they are high risk and must pay between $150 and $180 per dose.
Hunter’s statement emphasized the province’s commitment to keeping the vaccine accessible to all residents.
“This fall immunization program will start early in October,” he said in the statement.
COVID-19 vaccines have been offered free of charge since their introduction in late 2020, but with falling demand and shifting public health strategies, some provinces have moved to reduce or eliminate funding, leaving residents to cover the cost.
Public health officials have stressed the importance of COVID-19 boosters, particularly for those at higher risk of severe illness, including seniors and people with compromised immune systems. While Alberta and Quebec have focused on limiting their programs to those groups, Saskatchewan’s decision means shots will continue to be available to all health card holders, regardless of age or health status.
For now, Saskatchewan residents can expect the same process as in previous years, and assurances that the vaccine will remain free.
The province has not yet provided details on clinic locations or how bookings will be managed, but officials said more information would be released closer to the launch of the fall program.
— with files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff
