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Saskatchewan is preparing for Round 2 of its vaccination fight against COVID-19.
On Thursday, the provincial government revealed second doses of COVID vaccines will be administered to Saskatchewan residents on an age-based and prioritized schedule by mid-May — even before everyone in the province has received their first doses.
The province also announced that youths aged 12 and older will become eligible to get vaccinated. That news comes one day after Health Canada approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for those between the ages of 12 and 15.
As well, children aged 12 to 15 who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine effective immediately. People aged 16 and 17 in that category have been eligible since April 14.
Second doses
As of Thursday, more than 45,000 people in Saskatchewan — mainly residents of long-term care homes — have received both doses and are fully immunized.
On May 17, others will start the process. That day, anyone aged 85 or over as well as anyone who received their first dose before Feb. 15 can book their second doses.
The government expects everyone in the province will have the chance to be fully vaccinated with two doses by July 31. The only exceptions will be those who receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.
“Second doses will be available in the same sequencing as first doses were and we will move as quickly as possible down through the age groups just like the first dose, based on our supply of vaccines,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said during a media conference.
“We will ensure that everyone will have the chance to get their second dose starting 13 weeks after the date of their first dose. It could happen even sooner than that, depending on vaccine supply.”
Saskatchewan is planning to start administering second doses quicker than expected.
The plan initially called for everyone to get their second doses within 16 weeks of their first jab, but the province expects to give second shots after 13 weeks or less. The availability of vaccines distributed by the federal government will determine the success of that.
“During your second dose appointment, the clinic or pharmacy will validate the timing and brand of your first dose to ensure you are receiving your second dose within the recommended timeframe,” the Ministry of Health said in a media release.
“The type of vaccine available at each location will be advertised to ensure that you are receiving the same vaccine brand for your second dose.”
That said, the government will look at a mix-and-match schedule of vaccines if the supply of some of the drugs don’t arrive in Saskatchewan before a person is due for their second shot.
The province has had issues getting some of the vaccines due to manufacturing delays, but Merriman said the government is “cautiously optimistic” those doses that have been in limited supply of late — such as AstraZeneca — will be available.
“We haven’t any confirmed shipments through the federal government, but the federal minister has assured myself and the other health ministers across Canada that we will be able to get that AstraZeneca in as soon as possible,” Merriman said.
“We’re confident in getting that done in a timely manner to make sure that somebody does hit in and around that 13 weeks.”
Appointments will be available through the Saskatchewan Health Authority booking system, at drive-through and walk-in clinics, at participating pharmacies, and at clinics operated by Indigenous Services Canada and the Northern Inter-tribal Health Authority (NITHA).
People will be told when they’re eligible through public service announcements, government news releases, the government’s COVID vaccine website and social media posts.
People diagnosed with or being treated for cancer and those who have received solid organ transplants will be given priority for second doses. They’re to be eligible as of May 17.
Merriman emphasized the importance of getting that second dose and being fully vaccinated.
“After 14 long months, we are finally moving past the point of just controlling COVID-19; we are now in a position where we can beat COVID-19 …,” said Merriman.
“When it’s your turn — and now when it’s your second turn — roll up your sleeves and stick it to COVID.”
Youths becoming eligible
Adding those aged 12 to 15 will expand the number of people eligible to receive a vaccine by about 91,000 people.
The goal is to have first doses in youths’ arms by the end of June.
“We plan to offer vaccines in the schools before the end of the school year,” Merriman said. “Details on the school-based programs, including the parental consent process and eligibility dates, are being finalized.
“Parents can anticipate a public announcement along with communication from public health and school divisions regarding the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The government said the large number of Pfizer doses being shipped to Saskatchewan will make it possible to vaccinate youth at the same time members of the general population are receiving their second shots.