A start date has been locked in for Saskatchewan residents to start to get their second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says second doses will begin on May 17th for anyone who is 85 and older, or who received their first shot before February 15th. He says second doses will be available in the same sequencing as first doses were, and the province will move as quickly as possible, like the first doses, down through the age groups and based off of supply of vaccines.

Merriman says the province will ensure that everyone will be able to get their second dose 13 weeks after their first does. He suggests that could happen sooner than that, depending on vaccine supply. Merriman says eligibility will be announced through public service announcements and social media posts.

Priority for second doses will be given to those diagnosed with or being treated for cancer and those who have received solid organ transplants.

Youth Being Now Included in Vaccination Roll-Out

Saskatchewan is adding teenagers 12 and older to the vaccination roll-out with the Health Canada approval of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 to 15. Merriman says the province plans to add vaccines in schools by the end of the school year. Those details including parental consent processes and eligibility dates are being finalized. Merriman says parents can anticipate public announcements and communication from public health and school divisions regarding the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The province says due to the high amount of Pfizer vaccines anticipated in May and June, Saskatchewan’s delivery system will have enough capacity to delivery both vaccines for youth and second doses for the general population.

The Ministry of Health says kids 12 to 15 who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable will be immediately eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.