Phase 2 begins in Sask.: 67+ age group can book vaccination appointments

Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 vaccine program is chugging along, about 2 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule.

“Things are working extremely well,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said during the announcement on Thursday.

Starting at noon Thursday, all residents 67 years of age and older could book appointments for vaccinations either online 24 hours a day seven days a week or by phone (1-833-727-5829) between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Those considered clinically extremely vulnerable — about 25,000 people in the province — also could book appointments starting at noon, as could select congregate living settings such as group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities and emergency shelters.

Phase 2 wasn’t expected to begin until April 5. It involves vaccinating the general public, starting in the oldest age group that hasn’t already received doses and moving down in age as more doses arrive in the province.

Merriman said the province has received an increase in vaccine doses being shipped to Saskatchewan. Between that and a high uptake from the age categories that have become eligible, the province decided to open up the second phase.

“We want to keep the vaccine lines full, we want to keep the appointments full, so we can get through this as fast as we possibly can,” explained Merriman.

As of Thursday, more than 118,000 shots had already been given in the province, and since the vaccine booking system launched March 11, more than 80,000 appointments have been booked.

According to Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone, about 80 per cent of those in the already-eligible age groups have booked appointments or received a shot. He explained that, when the booking system opens to an age group, the SHA sees a flurry of activity then it tapers off.

“We do know that people are continuing to book after the first day that they’re eligible,” said Livingstone.

When the SHA gets to or nears the 80 per cent mark for an age group, Livingstone said that’s when officials open the system to the next one.

Merriman thanked those who have been administering vaccines, and also those who’ve been getting the shots. He repeated encouragements to everyone in the province to book and get a vaccination as soon as they’re eligible.

“Every time a health-care workers gives a shot, every time a Saskatchewan resident gets a shot, you’re making Saskatchewan a safer place for everyone,” said Merriman.

Those who want to book an appointment need a Saskatchewan health services card and an email or cell phone in order to receive notification reminders of the appointment. People who don’t have email or cellphones can call the booking line.

People who were eligible in Phase 1 of the delivery plan can still book appointments. All first and second doses for long-term care and personal care home residents and staff will continue.

“Individuals who may be considered clinically extremely vulnerable will receive a letter with instructions for booking appointments,” the government said in a release. “A complete list of clinically extremely vulnerable conditions is available at Saskatchewan.ca/covid19.”

People aged 50 to 66 living in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District and all remaining Phase 1 health-care workers also are still eligible to book appointments by phone.

Individuals who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable can only book by phone unless they’re 67 or over and have not yet booked an appointment, as the online booking system is accessible by age only.

Special vaccination leave introduced

The Government of Saskatchewan also announced it had amended The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 to allow for paid time off from work for employees who are getting vaccinated for COVID-19.

The new regulation came into effect Thursday.

The new section 6-221, Special Vaccination Leave, establishes that during the pandemic:

• Workers are entitled to three consecutive hours leave during work hours to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
• Workers are entitled to more than three consecutive hours if the employer determines the circumstances warrant a longer break from work.
• Workers do not lose any pay or other benefits while receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

“We want to ensure that everyone in the province gets vaccinated,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “The amendment today ensures workers also have paid time off during the work hours to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”