Saskatchewan Minister of Health Paul Merriman, along with Dr. Saqib Shahab and officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority laid out the strategy for delivering second doses of COVID-19. The Minister also sketched the broad strokes for administration of vaccines to youth 12 years of age and older. 

Beginning May 17, residents aged 85 and older or who have received their first dose prior to February 15 will be able to receive their second dose. That will lead to all eligible Saskatchewan residents receiving their second doses by July 31. The plan is to replicate the roll out for the second round by age in descending order. The Ministry anticipates an overlap between first and second dose recipients. 

"There will still be people receiving their first doses as we begin to offer second doses to those residents in the order of priority that we started our provincial vaccination program," Health Minister Paul Merriman said.  "But with a reliable vaccine supply and the exceptional capacity we have built in Saskatchewan, we will start booking those second doses and ensure full immunity to every resident who chooses to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  Vaccination is our path out of the pandemic."

The Health Authority is aiming for an interval of 13 weeks between first and second doses, which is inside the NACI recommendation of 16 weeks between doses. 

The strategy for delivering second doses to adults remains the same. A range of clinics, both booked and walk-in or drive-thru, will continue, as will delivery through authorized pharmacies. The SHA will continue to use media, public service announcements, and social media to inform residents about the timelines and age ranges for delivering vaccines. To expedite the delivery, people are asked to know the date of their first immunization which is located on the vaccination card issued at the first vaccination. Those dates are also available at pharmacies, online through the My Health Records resource or through the SaskVAX line (1-833-727-5829). Clinics and pharmacies will validate the type of vaccine in the first dose to effectively deliver the same type of vaccine for the second dose. 

As for vaccination of the province’s youth, the intent is to implement a school-based program with parental consent required. Minister Merriman indicated that the logistics are being planned. The timeline is to have most 12 year old and older children vaccinated by the end of the school year in June. 

Clinically compromised patients, such as oncology patients, will be eligible for their second dose immediately upon the May 17 start date.