Province Set To Drop The Age Of Those Who Can Use Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinics
For people who wanted the Province to drop the ages of people eligible for drive-thru COVID - 19 vaccination clinic’s eligible age to drop you have a good answer.
Effective April 14, 2021 the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be changing the eligibility to drive-thru immunization clinics to ages 52-54, with the exception of Regina, which will be open to those aged 48-54.
With a continued increase of COVID-19 variants of concern, additional steps are being taken throughout the province to offer vaccine to younger age groups to keep immunizations progressing as quickly as possible.
In order to accomplish this, the Pfizer/BioNTech will be introduced to all current and future drive-thru immunizations clinics. This change will help to remove any vaccine-related age-barriers that prevent immunization of younger residents.
For April 14 this change will only affect the drive-thru in Saskatoon, with additional drive-thru sites affected beginning April 15.
NOTE: Regina may open immunizations to individuals 48 and older the evening of April 13, depending on a number of factors. For the most up to date details, please monitor SHA social media and visit www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.
The drive-thru clinic held last Friday and Saturday in Moose Jaw had sparse use amongst those 55 years of age and older largely due to people’s feelings towards the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The AstraZeneca vaccine has been pulled for use for those under the age of 55 due to rare blood clotting being reported.
There are no listed dates for when the Moose Jaw drive-thru clinic will be re-opening.
The drive -thru vaccination clinic offered for those 55 + in Moose Jaw last Friday and Saturday had a sparse turnout - MJ Independent photo
Vaccine Eligibility
COVID-19 vaccine booking eligibility changes to 52 years and older, and 40 years and older for individuals living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (Far North), effective 8:00am, April 14, 2021.
Eligible groups include all individuals 52 years of age and older, individuals 40 years of age and older living in the Far North, all remaining phase one health care workers, and people with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable through an eligibility letter.
All drive-thru and walk-in clinics will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary, residents can attend at their convenience.
Additional details for drive-thru and walk-in clinics, including the most up-to-date wait times can be found at: www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax. Those attending drive-thru or walk-ins with previously booked appointments are encouraged to cancel, ensuring the next eligible person can receive vaccine.
Read the rest of the update on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website: https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news/releases/Pages/2021/April/COVID-19-Immunization-Alert-April-13.aspx