The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has changed its guidelines to allow for mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines.  This means you get a second brand with your second shot than what you did with your first.

The province says effective immediately, the provincial vaccination plan will incorporate this guidance to make sure vaccines continue to get into the arms of Saskatchewan citizens.

This means

• Persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their second dose
• Persons who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for their second dose.  If the same mRNA vaccine is not readily available or unknown, another mRNA vaccine can be considered interchangeable and should be offered to complete the vaccine series.

It is  anticipated the province will have an adequate supply of all vaccine types in order to provide residents with the second dose they prefer.

The government adds starting Monday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority will be establishing clinics for second doses of AstraZeneca for those eligible.  You will not be required to receive AstraZeneca as a second dose. Anyone who received AstraZeneca as a first dose is eligible to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their second dose if that is your preference.

Details on clinic locations and hours will be announced this week. Note that not all vaccine types are available at all clinic locations; vaccine type available by clinic is listed when that clinic is advertised.

The province also reminds you that second dose age eligibility will be lowered to those 65 and over beginning June 2 which is up from the original projected date of June 7.  Those who got their first dose on or before March 22 are also eligible/