How do I get the coronavirus vaccine in Regina?

COVID-19 debated at the Legislature WATCH: On day two of Spring Session at the Saskatchewan Legislature COVID-19 was again front and centre. Allison Bamford explains.

REGINA — Saskatchewan began distributing COVID-19 vaccines in December, after introducing its Vaccine Delivery Plan. This plan is currently being rolled out in phases, with a focus on an age-based roll out and priority given to those vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure based on a number of variables like underlying conditions or occupation.

Here’s what you need to know as the province continues to vaccinate Saskatchewan residents:

WHO CAN GET VACCINATED RIGHT NOW?

Anyone in Saskatchewan age 12 and older is eligible to book their first dose appointment online or through the appointment booking call centre at 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829).

Starting 8 a.m. on June 21, second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for anyone in the province who got their first dose on of before May 15.

Everyone who has a first dose will be eligible to receive a second after 28 days on June 24.

People in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District can book their appointment over the phone by calling 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829) between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Drive-thru and walk-in vaccine clinics opened in several Saskatchewan communities. No appointment is needed at these sites. Drive-through and walk-in vaccine clinics in the province are not operating on a fixed schedule. Check here for the latest drive-thru and walk-in clinics.

When booking a second-dose appointment, residents will have to know the date of their first shot. The date is noted on the immunization card given at the first dose appointment.

If the card has been misplaced, the date can be found on the immunization history page of the person’s MySaskHealthRecord account or by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (727-5829).

WHAT BRAND WILL I GET FOR MY SECOND DOSE?

The Saskatchewan government said it will follow recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccine second doses.

The SHA said residents who received Pfizer or Moderna as their first dose should take whichever one is first available for their second dose.

The government said it will continue to allow residents the option to get AstraZeneca as a second dose, despite new guidance from NACI.

The province said not all vaccine types will be available at all clinic locations. Vaccine types will be listed when immunization clinics are advertised.

HOW WILL I FIND OUT WHEN I CAN RECEIVE THE VACCINE?

Residents are encouraged to listen to the news to find out when they become eligible to book an appointment online or by phone.

WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

Those eligible can book their vaccine appointment online or over the phone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829).

More than 100 pharmacies in 37 Saskatchewan communities are offering COVID-19 vaccinations on an appointment-only basis. These pharmacies are offering shots separately from the province’s vaccine booking system and residents will need to contact a pharmacy directly to get a vaccine.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING?

Residents will need a Saskatchewan health card and an email or cell phone when they book so they can get appointment reminders. Those without and email address or cell phone can call 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829). Priority frontline workers are required to bring proof of employement to their appointments.

The Government of Saskatchewan warns that a vaccine does not offer immediate immunity to COVID-19 and that going back to normal life will take time. Those who have received the vaccine are still expected to follow public health measures.

The vaccine is free.

WHO HAS ALREADY RECEIVED THE VACCINE?

According to data released by the province on June 20, 79 per cent of people over 40; 74 per cent of people over 30; 70 per cent of people 18 and over; and 69 per cent of those 12 and older have received their first dose.

WHERE ARE THE VACCINES BEING DISTRIBUTED?

The Saskatchewan Health Authority will operate 230 vaccine clinics in more than 180 communities across the province.

The province said mass immunization clinics will be its primary mode of vaccine delivery in the second phase of the rollout. Appointments will be needed for these sites.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

A government-issued ID and your Saskatchewan health card will be required at the appointment. Priority frontline workers are required to bring proof of employement to their appointments.

HOW CAN I GET TO MY VACCINATION SITE?

Appointment time and clinic location will be provided during the booking process. Depending on your location you may be able to access a mobile clinic in or near your community.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Below is a list of resources with more information relating to vaccination:

How to get immunized - Government of Saskatchewan

Vaccine Delivery Process - Government of Saskatchewan

Authorized vaccines - Government of Canada