(Health Minister Paul Merriman, top left hand corner, SHA CEO Scott Livingstone, bottom left)

Saskatchewan’s Health Minister says the goal of the government is to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible. Paul Merriman says Phase 2 of the vaccine plan, which at its very earliest will begin in April, will be prioritized by age.

Those 60 and over plus extremely vulnerable people will be first in line. Merriman describes the vulnerable as people with certain underlying health conditions (see below), and those in emergency shelters and group homes. Next, the plan is to move on to 50 and over and on down the line in ten year increments. There is no vaccine for children, because that age group hasn’t been tested or approved yet.

Phase 1 of the vaccine roll out is still in its early stages with only 12 per cent of this prioritized group vaccinated so far because of the lack of supply. For those in the 70 and over age group who live independently who are wondering when it’s their turn, Merriman says they will be contacted by phone to make an appointment, but if the Saskatchewan Health Authority isn’t able to get in touch, there will also be public announcements on the radio and on social media.

SHA CEO Scott Livingstone says information will be publicly shared to let you know when it’s your turn for a vaccination, which when Phase 2 begins, includes many options.

There will be mass clinics, drive-through and mobile clinics, through participating doctors’ offices and pharmacies and through some community based organizations, and First Nations and Metis communities. If you are not opting for the drive-through or mobile option, you will be able to book an appointment for the mass immunization clinics online or through a toll free number.