12+ age group set to become eligible for COVID vaccinations in Sask.

Saskatchewan is about to reach the last rung of its age-based eligibility ladder for first doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Starting Thursday at 8 a.m., everyone 12 and over in the province will be eligible to get their first shot. They can book appointments or attend pharmacies, drive-thru and walk-in clinics, and mobile clinics.

Those in that age group who choose to get immunized will receive the Pfizer vaccine, the only one that currently has been approved for people aged 12 to 17 in Canada.

People between the ages of 12 and 17 also are to be given a chance to get vaccinated at school starting in June, when the Saskatchewan Health Authority plans to start immunizing students.

While those 12 and up become eligible to receive first doses Thursday, people aged 85 and over can make arrangements to get their second doses.

People who had their first dose before Feb. 15 also are eligible for second shots, while those who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer and individuals who have received solid organ transplants are to receive a letter telling them they’re eligible.

Appointments can be made online 24/7 or by calling 1-833-727-5829 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

People also can get vaccinated at pharmacies around the province that are participating in the immunization program or at drive-thru or walk-in clinics that are in operation across Saskatchewan.