Saskatchewan is going to launch an on-line and phone booking system Thursday for COVID-19 vaccinations. Visit here for the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) new online booking system. Patients can speak by phone to a booking agent for help with their appointment. The Vaccine Call Centre operates 8 am to 11 pm, 7 days per week and can be accessed by calling 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829).
Vaccination bookings on Thursday are open to those 85 years and older. In the coming days based on an available supply of vaccine, the SHA will announce further age groups eligible to book their appointments.
Premier Scott Moe spoke at the online Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention this morning. He says it will be a mass vaccination program in 180 communities in the comings weeks and months, “You’re going to see doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists all delivering these vaccines in your community. We want to make getting your shot easy, as simple and convenient as possible.”
Moe says vaccination clinics will be held in a variety of locations including arenas, community halls and drive-through clinics.
To book an appointment using the new online system, you will need a valid health card; and a cell phone number or email address where notifications will be sent. Users who aren’t comfortable with, or don’t have access to technology can book by phone. Family and friends who aren’t yet eligible can also book on behalf of someone who is eligible.
The SHA stresses that it is critical residents currently not eligible, do not call the phone line or attempt to book through this process at this time. Doing so will unnecessarily stress critical infrastructure needed for these services and could result in delays getting eligible recipients immunized.
During Wednesday’s news conference SHA CEO Scott Livingston said that there’s no 100 per cent guarantee that the system won’t crash. Health Minister Paul Merriman stressed the importance of not calling the 1-833 number if you aren’t eligible yet. “British Columbia had 100,000 people eligible and they had 1.7 million people try to access and it crashed the system.”
Those booking online will need their health card along with a cell phone number or email address. Residents without a provincial health card, email address or cell phone number will still be able to call the new 1-833 number.
Once the online booking system is operational, SHA will be phasing out the existing process of direct phone-calls to eligible individuals. Eligible patients should go to the new booking system and not wait for a phone call.
