Sask. expands COVID-19 vaccine appointment eligibility

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REGINA — Saskatchewan has expanded vaccine appointment eligibility to those 52 and older starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. Pregnant women, youth aged 16 to 17 who are clinically extremely vulnerable and everyone over 40 in the Far North is also eligible for their first dose.

Residents 52 and over can book their vaccination appointment online or over the phone at 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829). Residents under 52 who are eligible due to location, profession or clinical vulnerability will have to book their appointment using the phone line.

Pregnant women and the clinically extremely vulnerable group can expect a letter from their doctor.

Residents 50 to 54 in the Northern Administrative District can book their appointments on the phone.

A representative for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) said eligibility details are in the works for Meadow Lake, which is located in the Far North as well as the Northern Administrative District.

The province reported it will begin vaccinating police officers, firefighters and public health inspectors with the help of mobile vaccination clinics. Remaining health care workers will also receive first doses and pharmacies will be able to vaccinate its own employees in the coming weeks.

The Ministry of Health said vaccination of first responders will start in the next two weeks, as mobile vaccine clinics finish giving first doses to residents and staff in congregate living settings.

DRIVE-THRU CLINIC ELIGIBILITY

The SHA changed drive-thru clinic eligibility across the province Tuesday night. Beginning Wednesday morning, drive-thru immunization clinics will be limited to those between the ages of 52-54 only, with the exception of Regina.

The health authority said the Pfizer vaccine will be given at all current and future drive-thru clinics to help remove any vaccine-related age barriers.

48-YEAR-OLDS ELIGIBLE FOR REGINA'S DRIVE-THRU VACCINE CLINIC

The SHA has expanded vaccination eligibility to include 48-year-olds at the Regina drive-thru clinic, beginning Wednesday morning. The SHA said it may open immunizations to include 48-year-olds Tuesday night, depending on “a number of factors.” The health authority said people should monitor SHA social media to stay up-to-date.

As of Wednesday morning, only people aged 48-54 on the date of immunization are eligible to receive a vaccine at the site.