Don’t ditch the facemasks or social distancing after first vaccine dose, says Shahab

So you’ve had your first COVID-19 vaccine dose and that means you can ease up on the public health rules, right?

Wrong, says Saskatchewan chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.

That’s because so many others still need their vaccinations as well. As of Wednesday, more than 307,000 people in the province have had at least one dose. But the majority of the 1.1 million people in the province are still waiting.

“All the precautions have to remain at least until the majority of us have at least one dose,” Shahab explained.

According to Health Canada, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up immunity to the virus. For the greatest protection, a second dose is needed. That’s echoed by Shahab.

“(The) first dose is good. (The) second dose is better. That provides you with long-term protection that will protect us into the summer and fall,” he said.

Shahab said Saskatchewan is following progress in other countries like Britain and the U.S., where they’ve completed far more vaccinations, including second doses.

“Their guidelines now allow for more visitation among vaccinated households — fully vaccinated, two doses,” Shahab said. “In Canada, our supply is such that we’re completing the first dose. But as we start the second doses, our options will improve.”

So for the next few months, he says health officials will be closely monitoring case numbers, including the variants of concern.

“We do have to remain cautious at least until June … And then we will have to assess uptake, impact on transmission, (and) our overall case numbers before recommending any significant relaxation of some of the broader measures like mask use in indoor places,” he added.

Shahab also emphasized that even if someone has had their first dose, they need to “absolutely remember” to get their second vaccination. While in Canada that wait can be up to four months, he says it’s more likely that second doses will occur within two to three months.

According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, those who have had one vaccination will be contacted once they’re eligible for their second dose. People should keep their vaccination cards and watch for further updates.