COVID-19 Immunization Eligibility
2024-25 Immunization bookings will be available starting October 8, 2024.
Walk-in clinic listings and the online booking system (SHA Patient Booking System) for the 2024-25 Fall Immunization/Vaccination Program will be available starting October 8, 2024. Visit 4flu.ca.
Clinics will open and begin providing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as of October 15, 2024.
COVID-19 Vaccine eligibility:
All individuals 6 months of age and older will be eligible to receive one dose of COVID -19 vaccine a minimum of 8 weeks from their previous COVID-19 dose, regardless of the number of previous doses received.
Note:
Children 6 months to 4 years old may require additional doses depending on their vaccination history.
For individuals who are immunocompromised, the recommended number of doses and intervals depends on their vaccination history.
If you have questions, please call 1-833-727-5829.
Where to receive COVID-19 immunizations
Vaccine clinics information
COVID-19 immunization resources
Strategies for parents and caregivers
Being immunized can be nerve-wracking for both children and their caregivers. Below you will find some strategies and resources to help best prepare for and receive immunization.
Consider the following when planning your child’s immunization:
- Preparation
Your child likely has many questions about immunization, and you may as well. You can find lots of information on the Government of Saskatchewan website, or in one of the other resources listed below.- Be honest with your child and share information with simple, neutral language about why immunization is important and what to expect
- Be encouraging, confident and calm so that your child can learn to feel the same way about immunizations
- Avoid using pain descriptors such as pinch or sting, or saying, "It will be over soon," or "It will be OK," as these may increase anxiety
- Make a Coping and Distraction Plan
You know best what can comfort and distract your child, so plan to use those techniques during the immunization appointments. Be sure to bring along comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket, consider bringing a distraction such a mobile device with their favourite song or video. You can find additional distraction ideas on the Distractions Techniques poster below. - Use Positions of Comfort
Reduce stress and help keep your child still during immunization by finding the most comfortable position to receive the vaccine. - Consider Using Numbing Cream
Numbing cream is available over-the-counter at many pharmacies. This topical cream helps to reduce sensation in the upper layers of skin to help reduce pain/discomfort from the immunization needle. Most creams need at least 20-60 minutes to reduce sensation, so plan accordingly for your immunization appointment. Please note that SHA clinics do NOT have numbing cream and immunizers cannot apply it , it is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver to obtain and apply the product.
Resources
Other online resources
Vaccine information and safety
- COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Lots of great information on the vaccines from the Canadian Paediatric Society
- Vaccines & Immunization: From Public Health Canada
- How to talk to your children about COVID-19 vaccines: a simple guide from UNICEF
- Should I get my child vaccinated?: Short video from First Nations Health Authority featuring Dr. Danièle Behn Smith
Parent resources
- Kids In Pain: Resources for pain and fear management in children, with lots of great tools for caregivers and kids.
- Max the Vax: Youth-focused resources about COVID-19 vaccines.
- Needles Don't Have to Hurt: Poster with lots of great tips from a number of healthcare agencies in Canada.
- Mom Hack: When Kids Are Afraid of Needles: short video made by moms for moms with lots of great tips.
- Jesse the Bear: Story about a young bear a bit nervous about getting vaccinated, from the BC Centre for Disease Control