Second Dose Now Open To All Those 12 And Over

In an update the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) would like to remind all residents 12 years of age and over are now eligible for their second dose of the COVID - 19 vaccine after a minimum of 28 days from their first dose.

At the present time the SHA believes there will be sufficient vaccine available for second doses by mid - July however the vaccine brand will depend on what is shipped to the province.

There are presently 47,000 appointments available throughout the province for SHA vaccination clinics.

It should be noted that although a combination of vaccine brands are recommended that only Pfizer is available for those who are 12 - 17 years of age.

Changing Vaccine Brands Between First & Second Doses
In response to updated statements by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Saskatchewan's clinical experts have recommended that individuals in Saskatchewan who received AstraZeneca as their first dose be offered the choice of receiving AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) as their second dose.

Where AstraZeneca is on hand, residents who had it as a first dose will be offered the choice of either AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine for their second dose. AstraZeneca remains a safe vaccine and two doses are effective against severe disease and hospitalization.

Individuals who have received two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada should be considered protected and do not require an additional vaccine at this time.

mRNA Vaccines are Interchangeable
Residents who received Pfizer or Moderna as their first dose should take whichever of those two vaccines that is available to them for their second dose, rather than waiting for the same brand of vaccine. The Pfizer brand remains the only one approved for use in children ages 12-17.

A vaccine is only approved by Health Canada if it is safe, it works, it meets manufacturing standards, and the benefits outweigh any risks.