Effective immediately, the SHA has over 5,000 appointments available for first and second dose immunizations at clinics throughout the province. Eligible residents can book their immunization online 24/7 at saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19 vaccine, or phone 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days per week.
Effective, 8 a.m., June 2, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has accelerated access to second doses of COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who is 65 years and older OR who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before March 22.
As announced June 1, residents of the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD) aged 50 or older are eligible for second doses regardless of when they received their first dose, as long as they have passed the minimum interval between doses for the vaccine brand. For all other residents, eligibility to book for second doses will be announced according to the age-based and priority sequencing of first doses, as detailed on the Government of Saskatchewan's Second Dose Strategy.
Residents will be required to know the date of their first immunization. That information was noted on the card presented at the first dose immunization, or if misplaced can be found by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829), or checking Immunization History on the resident's MySaskHealthRecord account.
Saskatchewan to Follow NACI Guidance on Second Doses
Tuesday, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) released guidance on the interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada, meaning the potential of receiving a different type of COVID-19 vaccine for your second dose than you received for your first dose. Effective immediately, the provincial vaccination roll out plan will incorporate guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) authorizing the use of a different vaccine for your second dose than you received for your first dose. Their recommendations are based on current scientific evidence of the vaccines and expert review.
Persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their second dose, unless contraindicated.
Persons who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for their second dose. If the same mRNA vaccine is not readily available or unknown, another mRNA vaccine can be considered interchangeable and should be offered to complete the vaccine series.
All vaccines approved in Canada are safe. Health Canada and provincial public health officials will be monitoring the interchangeability of vaccines to ensure effective protection against COVID-19. All residents need to receive two doses of the two-dose vaccines in order to achieve the best possible protection.
AstraZeneca Second Doses
Beginning the week of June 6, the Saskatchewan Health Authority will be establishing clinics for second doses of AstraZeneca to anyone who is eligible, according to the provincial age eligibility and date of first dose - this includes those Saskatchewan residents under 40 who received AstraZeneca as their first dose. Details on clinic locations and hours will be announced this week. Note that not all vaccine types are available at all clinic locations; vaccine type available by clinic is listed when that clinic is advertised.
Once you are eligible to receive your second dose, you remain eligible and may consider delaying until the recommended 12 week interval between first and second doses of AstraZeneca is reached, though note that vaccine choice will be dependent on those vaccines that are available at the time you make your appointment.
You will not be required to receive AstraZeneca as a second dose. Anyone who received AstraZeneca as a first dose is eligible to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their second dose if that is your preference.
