More vaccine clinics to open in Sask. as vaccines arrive earlier than expected

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is moving ahead with the opening of additional drive-thru and walk-in vaccine clinics after receiving shipments of AstraZeneca, earlier than expected.

The province says they are expecting around 55,000 doses of the vaccine between today and April 7^th, including more than 45,000 doses from the United States.

The SHA will be opening the new clinics in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Swift Current, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, and North Battleford, some as soon as Saturday.

All clinics will be open to residents 55-years-old and over, and will operate at a first come, first served basis.

Provincial Health Minister Paul Merriman says the vaccine rollout plan has gone extremely well so far.

“The pace of Saskatchewan’s vaccine rollout continues to increase,” said Merriman. “Nearly 80 percent of the people 80 years and over, nearly 60 percent of people in their 70s, and nearly a quarter of everyone in their 60s have now received their first dose. In total, health care workers have now delivered over 200,000 shots.”

During a news conference Thursday, Merriman acknowledged that the province’s ICU numbers have not been accurate. He cited an error in counting patients receiving ICU in overflow units.

He added the counting error was an unacceptable mistake.

“The public of Saskatchewan expect and deserve accurate public reporting of our Covid data,” said Merriman. “And Dr. Shahab requires accurate data to inform his direction and recommendations to government, we have come up short in this regard. I met with the CEO of the SHA to express my disappointment and concern over this error.”

Merriman urged people to keep the course and try to flatten the curve this Easter weekend.

“Our vaccine clinics are not taking the weekend off, unfortunately neither is the virus,” said Merriman. “Until a lot more of us have the chance to be vaccinated, we will have to all keep doing our part. We have to keep being extremely cautious in order to protect ourselves, and those around us, so please follow the public health orders.”

The province is encouraging people to take the first vaccine available to them, as they are all safe and effective.

Residents aged 58 and older can book their appointments online as of Saturday.

The clinic opening schedule is as follows: