The Government of Saskatchewan announced Thursday that all residents aged 12 and older are now eligible for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The announcement comes a day after the province set an inoculation record with nearly 25,000 doses administered.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says as the reopening of the province draws near, it doesn’t mean COVID-19 is disappearing.

“Covid has not gone away, there are still some new cases every day,” said Merriman. “We know the overwhelming majority of cases of people in hospital are not vaccinated. So, it’s pretty simple, if you’re vaccinated, it’s very unlikely you will get Covid and even more unlikely that you will get seriously ill.”

Merriman says the only reason Saskatchewan is able to return to somewhat normal is because of the 69 percent of residents who have received their first dose.

He says the vaccine supply in the province has never been more abundant, and anyone wanting to get their vaccine can easily do so.

“There are thousands of appointments available on the SHA website and clinics all over the province, and thousands more available at pharmacies throughout the province,” said Merriman. “No matter the vaccine you got for your first shot, you can either get Pfizer or Moderna for your second shot, they’re equally effective.”

When asked about what the province is doing to prepare itself against the dangerous Delta variant, Dr. Saqib Shahab says the best defense is to be double vaccinated.

“The Delta, of course, we have seen in many countries, the Delta has surged and has in some cases delayed reopening,” said Shahab. “But it’s important to recognize, even the Delta variant is covered well with two doses of the vaccine. That is why it’s critical that we don’t delay getting our first dose, as well as our second dose.”

COVID-19 vaccine appointments and information can be found on the SHA’s website.