COVID-19 Immunizations Available This Holiday Season – Northern Saskatchewan
Vaccines Save Lives, Reduce The Risk of Serious Illness
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has expanded capacity to provide additional access to the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster doses for those eligible. Immunization against COVID-19 remains our best defense against the virus and its variants of concern such as Delta, and the Omicron variant, which is extremely transmissible.
Breakthrough data from the month of November shows that ICU admissions are approximately four times higher among the unvaccinated compared to fully vaccinated residents.
Being fully vaccinated and getting your booster greatly reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as reducing the risk of serious illness or death if you are infected with the virus.
Immunization Clinics in Northern Saskatchewan from December 22 until January 2
COVID-19 immunization clinics will be available throughout the holiday period, both walk-in and booked clinic appointments. Please check the SHA walk-in clinics webpage for the most up-to-date details, including times and addresses of clinics in communities near you. Appointments can be booked online or over the phone at 1-833-SASKVAX (727-5829).
From December 22 through January 2, in Northern Saskatchewan there are currently over 375 booked appointments available. Walk in clinics are also available on select dates in the following communities:
- Battlefords
- Big River
- Buffalo Narrows
- Debden
- Île-à-la-Crosse
- La Ronge
- La Loche
- Lloydminster
- Meadow Lake
- Pierceland
- Pinehouse
- Prince Albert
- Sandy Bay
- Shellbrook
Immunization is available at walk-in clinics throughout the province, at participating pharmacies, or can be booked online or over the phone at 1-833-SASKVAX (727-5829).
Currently all residents aged five and older are eligible for first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
All residents aged 18 and older are eligible for a booster dose at least three months following the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two months following the administration of a single-dose vaccine. Some residents born in 2009 or later with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable are also eligible for a booster dose three months after completing their second dose.
For more details on vaccines, eligibility, as well as details on finding or booking an immunization appointment, go to www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-vaccine.
Get Tested, Stay Safe
Everyone should consider testing themselves and their households with a rapid antigen test kit before holiday gatherings. Knowing your status protects you and those you care about. These tests are a screening tool and should only be used for people who are not experiencing any COVID symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately at an SHA COVID-19 Test and Assessment center. Individuals with symptoms can book a COVID test online through the SHA Patient Booking System or visit a drive-thru or walk-in testing site. Anyone who receives a negative test result but continues to experience COVID-19 symptoms should be retested. For more information visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s webpages on self-testing or locations for rapid antigen self-test kits.
For additional information on COVID-19 testing, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-testing.
In addition to vaccination and getting tested, it is important to follow public health measures, including wearing a mask when in public places, and limiting your risk of exposure.