Saskatchewan high school students prepare to roll up sleeves as vaccine eligibility age lowers

Eligibility in Saskatchewan’s age-based COVID-19 immunization program moved to 16 years of age and older Tuesday, allowing many high school students to get their first dose.

At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine will be used for people who are 16 and 17 years old as it’s the only vaccine to be approved for the age group.

Regina high school student Zoe Kourles says getting vaccinated will make for a better end of the school year as she heads into the summer break.

“Being in school for the last month of Grade 12, it makes me feel a lot safer,” Kourles said. “At the rate we were going a couple months ago, I thought I would be vaccinated towards the end of the summer.

“I’m really grateful that this is kind of happening right as summer is starting. Getting a vaccination feels like a very good step in the right direction.”

Nolan Pankratz shared a similar feeling to Kourles. He anticipated an early morning for himself on Wednesday when the Regina drive-thru clinic reopens.

“The more people that are vaccinated, the more normal we can be and the less hospital space that is going to be used,” Pankratz said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Logan Beatty, a 15-year-old Saskatoon student, said waiting a few more days will be well worth it.

“I will have more of a sense of freedom now instead of being cooped up at home,” Beatty said. “It will be a great feeling.”

Starting on Thursday, anyone over the age of 12 will be eligible to get vaccinated in the province.

As of Monday, more than 600,000 COVID doses have been given provincewide and 59 per cent of people 18 and up have received their first dose.