COVID - 19 Vaccine Eligibility Hits Sweet 16

It i seen by those who want to bring the COVID - 19 pandemic to an end in Saskatchewan as a major milestone as the age for availability to be vaccinated will officially drop to age 16 and up effective 8 am May 18th.

But there is one major restriction and that is those are 16 or 17 years of age will only be vaccinated with Pfizer.

The highly controversial AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been linked to rare cases of potentially fatal blood clots, will not be available or administered to those who are 16 or 17 years of age. Studies have show those who are younger in age are the most susceptible to rare blood clots from the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

A school immunization program for those aged 16-17 will be introduced in June, although eligible residents of this age can be immunized at any of the clinics currently offering the Pfizer vaccine.

It needs to be noted Saskatchewan has not made being vaccinated compulsory.

The first opportunity for those 16 and 17 years old to be locally vaccinated at a Saskatchewan Health Authority clinic is this Wednesday and Thursday (May 19 and 20) when a walk-in clinic is being held at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds - 250 Thatcher Drive East.

The two walk-in clinics are open to anyone 16 and over for their first vaccine shot.

The walk-in clinics are also open to people seeking their second doses who meet the following criteria:

  • all individuals 85 years of age and older,

  • all individuals who had their first dose before February 15,

  • individuals diagnosed with or being treated for cancer, who will receive a letter of confirmation,

  • individuals who have received solid organ transplants, who will receive a letter of confirmation.

Appointments can also be booked for appointment only vaccinations.

Residents can book online* 24/7 at saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 vaccine.
For those needing additional support, booking is also available by phone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829). The call centre is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days per week.

For further information:

Details on pharmacy immunizations can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.
Details on drive-thru and walk-in clinics can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax.


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