Changes are coming to drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Saskatchewan.
Starting Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., the clinic at Regina’s Evraz Place will be open to people between the ages of 48 and 54. The minimum age was 49 on Tuesday.
That clinic is to be open until 11 p.m.
In Saskatoon, meanwhile, the drive-through clinic at Prairieland Park is to open to people aged 52 to 54 on Wednesday. It previously had been open only to those 55 and over.
That site is to be open from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Other drive-through sites in the province are to move to the 52-54 eligibility on Thursday. More details are available here.
As well, all of the drive-throughs will be administering the Pfizer vaccine.
“With a continued increase of COVID-19 variants of concern, additional steps are being taken throughout the province to offer vaccine to younger age groups to keep immunizations progressing as quickly as possible,” the Saskatchewan Health Authority said in a media release.
“In order to accomplish this, the Pfizer/BioNTech will be introduced to all current and future drive-through immunizations clinics. This change will help to remove any vaccine-related age barriers that prevent immunization of younger residents.”
Also Wednesday, the vaccine appointment booking eligibility is to drop to include people 52 and over, and 40 and over for people living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. That change is to take effect at 8 a.m.
Those 52 years of age and older can book appointments online 24/7 using their health card or by calling 1-833-727-5829 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
People aged 40 to 51 living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District can call for appointments. Everyone 52 and over living in the far north can book their appointments online.
All remaining Phase 1 health-care workers can book by phone, as can people with underlying health conditions who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
That group now includes pregnant women and teens aged 16 and 17 who have underlying health conditions.