The province said it will begin to mass vaccinate against COVID-19 in April, depending on the availability of immunizations.
“Saskatchewan is anticipating a shortfall of more than 12,600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in Q1, as well 500 less doses of the Moderna vaccine,” stated a presentation from provincial health officials. “Continued delays in receiving vaccines will extend time to vaccinate our most vulnerable people in Phase 1, as well as the rest of the population in Phase 2.”
Phase 2 immunizations will begin with people in their 60’s, as the mortality rate is higher in older individuals.
“Our goal will be to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” said Health Minister Paul Merriman. “We will be focusing on age as the primary risk factor. We know that age is the number one factor in determining severe outcomes from COVID-19. So, our mass vaccination will be done by age starting with our oldest residents first.”
Phase 2 will see priority vaccination given to emergency shelters, group homes with persons with intellectual disabilities and people with underlying health conditions.
Mass immunization clinics will occur in every Northern community, with La Loche, Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Prince Albert and Meadow Lake offering mobile clinics. Meadow Lake and Prince Albert will also offer drive thru clinics.
The province is anticipating that pharmacies and First Nations clinics will participate in immunizing the population. An online appointment booking system is being developed and is anticipated to be operational in March, as too will be a toll-free telephone line.