COVID-19 Immunization Alert: Eligibility for Booking Expanded to Ages 70+ and Residents 50+ in the Far North

COVID-19 vaccine booking eligibility is being expanded. Starting March 15 at 8am, the Saskatchewan Health Authority Patient Booking System will now include:

• Individuals 70 years of age and older provincially

People meeting this criteria can book their appointment online 24/7 using their health card at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine; or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

• Individuals 50 – 69 years of age living in the
• Northern Administrative District

Booking online is not available for this age group at this time. Individuals meeting this criteria are invited to now book their vaccination by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. A map of this area and the communities within it can be found at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/first-nations-metis-and-northern-community-businesses/economic-development/northern-administration-district

Individuals 70 years of age and over living in the Northern Administrative District can utilize online booking according to the instructions above.

PATIENT BOOKING SYSTEM UPDATE:

Since Saskatchewan's new booking system launched, 38,578 individuals in Saskatchewan 72 years of age and older have been booked for their COVID-19 vaccine. 13,006 of those appointments have been made today (as of noon).

• 31,054 or 80.5 per cent of appointments have been booked online;
• 7,524 or 19.5 per cent of appointments have been booked through the phone line.

Please remember: booking online is the fastest way to make your appointment, if you are able. It only takes a few minutes. Please try booking online first before making a phone call to the booking office. Friends and family can also help you use the online tool if you need help. 
Thank you to everyone for not attempting to book appointments until you become eligible- this allows those who are eligible to book more easily. Your continued patience is appreciated.

VACCINE INFORMATION:

What you need to know about appointment availability

• Immunizations are only available by-appointment at this time. Drop-in and mobile clinics, as well as access through participating pharmacies will be available in the future.
• You can have a friend or family member go online or call to schedule your appointment for you. Identification will be required at the time of the actual appointment.
• You will receive confirmation soon after your appointment has been made. There is no need to call the phone line to confirm appointment details.
• Clinic availability is dependent on vaccine availability. Additional clinics will be added as Saskatchewan receives more doses.
• At this time, existing demand for vaccine far outweighs our available supplies.
• The booking office does not have access to extra appointments than what is available online.
• Second dose appointments are not available at this time. Public communication will take place once these appointments become available.

Individuals are NOT eligible to receive COVID-19 Vaccine at this time if:

• You are less than 80 years of age and you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
• You have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days.
• You have received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine previously elsewhere.

Remember: even after being vaccinated, you must continue following all public health orders and guidelines. COVID-19 is everywhere in Saskatchewan. It is the responsibility of every person to strictly adhere to all public health orders and measures, including:

• Keep 2 metres away from others when in public and wear a mask.
• Limit gatherings and ensure gathering sizes do not exceed public health orders.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or mask with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are unwell; seek health care services when you help.
• Regularly monitor your health for any COVID-19 symptoms and seek testing.

Thank-you for your patience as we enhance COVID-19 immunization access across the province in the coming weeks.