Shomporko Online News Desk: Saskatchewan is shifting its COVID-19 vaccination delivery strategy. Beginning Aug. 8, the province will focus on delivering vaccines to people who have not had a second shot or who have never been immunized.
Drive-in clinics and online appointment scheduling will be phased out, but Saskatchewan Health Minister Paul Merriman says the province’s vaccination program will continue.
“The goal of this targeted outreach is to increase first and second dose uptake by meeting folks where they live, work, and play, and assisting individuals in their decision to keep our province as safe as possible,” Merriman said in a statement on Monday.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will shift to walk-in clinics at a number of public venues, including summer events, retails locations, powwows, provincial parks, and recreation areas.
Pharmacies will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment.
Health officials said they now have vaccine supplies to fully immunize 85 per cent of the population and said supply is not a limiting factor in achieving vaccination goals.
More than 14,000 vaccinations were delivered in the province on the weekend, with 62 per cent of the population aged 12 and older now fully vaccinated.
“As much progress as we’ve made towards immunizing the province we want to remind people that COVID-19 is still here and we will see cases throughout the summer, especially for unvaccinated individuals,” said Sheila Anderson, the SHA’s emergency operation center vaccine chief.
On Sunday, the province recorded 336 active COVID-19 infections, with a seven-day average of 34 new cases per 100,000 people.
Merriman recommended anyone who has not yet been vaccinated do so in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
“From now until August 8, all residents are highly encouraged to make use of the readily available and convenient clinic options,” he stated.
“Whether you’re on your first or second dose, now is the moment to remain with COVID.”
Source_ The Canadian Press
