Phase two of Saskatchewan’s immunization delivery program will hopefully begin in April, stated Health Minister Paul Merriman on Tuesday afternoon from Regina.
Vaccination sequencing in the second phase will focus on the general population in 10-year increments, starting with ages 60 to 69.
“Right now we’re in phase one, which includes everyone over the ages of 70. In phase two, we will vaccinating people over 60, then people over 50 and so on until everybody that wants to be vaccinated can be,” announced Merriman.
He said they are organizing their mass vaccination program primarily on age because it’s the best way to get things done for people in the quickest fashion and the best way to reduce severe outcomes.
This phase will also include targeted vaccinations for adults and staff in group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities and shelters. Clinically extremely vulnerable adults will also be included as a priority in phase two. More on the list of clinically vulnerable health conditions is available at the government’s website.
“The commencement of mass vaccinations will depend on the number and consistency of vaccine deliveries from the federal government. We are hopeful that mass vaccinations can start as soon as April, based on the current vaccine delivery schedule from the federal government,” added Merriman.
The goal of the immunization program is to
- Protect the most high risk and vulnerable.
- Minimize serious illness and death.
- Protect the capacity of the health care system.
- Minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Phase one is currently underway for high-risk populations such as people of advanced age, residents and staff in long-term and personal care homes, health care workers in emergency departments, COVID-19 units, testing and assessment centres, intensive care units and other high-risk settings. This phase also includes residents over 50 living in northern remote communities and those over 70 living in the community as vaccine is available.
Vaccinations in the second phase will be available through a variety of options including mass immunization clinics, walk-in and drive-thru clinics, public health clinics and community-based options such as pharmacies.
Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone mentioned people who get immunized will receive proof of vaccination, too.
“Every resident in the province who receives a vaccine will receive a paper record identifying they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and they will also receive an electronic record by registering online.”
Information will be publicly shared to let residents know when it’s their turn to be vaccinated, how to register for an appointment, the different types of clinics available and how to find the closet clinics. Appointments will be able to be booked online at the provincial government’s site or through HealthLine 811 when phase two begins.
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