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The drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Regina’s Evraz Place started accepting anyone between the ages of 50 and 54 on Monday.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority dropped the minimum age from 51. The clinic is to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The SHA will open up the drive-through to additional age groups based on demand through assessment of lineups and vaccine delivered,” the authority said in a media release.
Meanwhile, a drive-through clinic in Swift Current opened Monday at 801 Cheadle St., for people 55 and over. The site is to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis.
A walk-in clinic is to open Tuesday in Swift Current at the Old Central Medical Clinic (1061 Central Ave. N). Its hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to noon and it’s first come, first served.
Vaccine changes
Given the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendation that the AstraZeneca vaccine not be given to anyone under the age of 55 and given the SHA’s desire to get more people vaccinated quicker, some clinics will be changing vaccines.
In Regina, for example, the Pfizer vaccine is replacing the AstraZeneca vaccine in the drive-through, with the AstraZeneca now being used in mass immunization clinics.
“As patients arrive for their appointment, nurses are available to answer questions and ensure they are comfortable before proceeding with immunization,” the SHA said.
“These changes have begun in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Humboldt and Prince Albert but will extend to additional communities in the coming days, including in North Battleford and Watrous. These communities will be using AstraZeneca in their booked appointments and also in their drive-throughs.”
Booking appointments
The province’s vaccine appointment system has the same eligibility requirements Monday.
Anyone 55 or older can book online or by calling 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
People aged 50 to 54 living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District can book by phone, as can all remaining Phase 1 health-care workers, and people with underlying health conditions who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Moderna delays
Due to a delay at the manufacturer’s end, 19,300 Moderna doses aren’t going to arrive in Saskatchewan when they were expected.
As a result, some appointments that already were booked are being rescheduled.
The SHA’s list of clinics where appointments are being rescheduled can be found here.
