Age For COVID - 19 Vaccine Eligibility Drops to 37 And Over

If you felt just left out by this past weekend’s 40 years of age and above availability to be vaccinated against COVID - 19 starting this morning at 8 am those just a few years younger are being afforded the opportunity to be vaccinated.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has announced that effective 8 am this morning vaccination appointments as well as accessibility to the provincial age-based immunization program moves to age 37 and older, except for residents living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, where it moves to age 18 and older.

This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, drive-thru/walk-in, mobile, and pharmacy.

Approximately 8,000 appointments will be added to the Patient Booking System, effective 8:00am, May 4, 2021, for booked appointments at SHA clinics, in addition to pharmacy appointments, and drive-thru and walk-in clinics. Pharmacy immunization details can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

If you are considered an essential front-line worker in a wide array of professions access to the vaccine was granted to all - irrespective of age - this past weekend.

After holding walk-in and drive-thru clinics that were initially not well attended by those 55 years and over a drive-thru clinic this past Sunday, May 2nd, featured a drive-thru clinic for those 40 years of age and above which ran out of vaccine in the first four hours.

It also needs to be noted that being immunized is often a personal decision based upon health and other factors and is voluntary. However the SHA, along with other provincial, national and international health organizations\regulators have stated vaccination is the best means to lessen and end the COVID - 19 pandemic.

As has happened at many recent clinics the SHA would like to remind residents that at the present time the demand for appointments continues to outstrip the demand for appointments - especially in Regina and Saskatoon.

There may be additional clinic options in rural and northern communities, and residents are encouraged to consider those alternate locations for immunization.

Please note that travel restrictions related to the increase of variants of concern do not apply to essential medical appointments, such as immunization. Residents may travel to a community outside of their own to attend an immunization clinic, but are advised to not make any other stops or visits aside from the immunization clinic.

The type of vaccine offered at your clinic may vary depending on vaccine supply.

All vaccines are safe, effective and approved for use in Canada, and are extremely effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization.

Please note vaccine supply remains limited and drive-thru/walk-in clinics may close early when all vaccine is administered. Residents are urged to check the current status of the clinic, age eligibility (now 37+), and wait times, at www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax to avoid unnecessary travel.