Shipment delay causes change in COVID-19 vaccine appointments, residents still encouraged to get the shot
A delay in Pfizer shipments is causing the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to change up some of its booked vaccine appointments.
The delay lead the SHA to change about 4,000 booked Pfizer appointments to Moderna.
“We do have Pfizer arriving today and yesterday, so we are continuing on with booked appointments for Pfizer doses, as well as other avenues such as drive throughs and walk-ins, and in community pharmacies of course,” said Derek Miller, the emergency response chief for the SHA.
Miller said the SHA expects the normal shipment of vaccines at the end of the month, and will have a slight reduction of Pfizer at the start of July. But residents are encouraged to get whatever shot they can.
“It doesn't really matter if your first dose was AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna, as soon as you're eligible, then get the vaccine that's available close to you,” said Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer.
Saskatchewan reported a record on Thursday, with more than two per cent of the provincial population receiving a vaccine in one day. Health Minister Paul Merriman said nearly 25,000 people rolled up their sleeves for a shot, the most the province has seen given out since the start of the vaccination campaign.
“If you're not vaccinated, there is still a very good chance you will get COVID at some point, and you may become seriously ill,” said Merriman.
Merriman said about 2,500 of the shots given on Thursday were first doses. However, the SHA is hoping to encourage more people to get their first dose. Currently only 55 per cent of residents between 12 and 17 years old have their first dose, 53 per cent for 18 to 29 year olds and 59 per cent for residents 30 to 39.
“This is the time we’ve had the most vaccines available…we're going to continue to look at spots in the province that have not got fully vaccinated or have low uptake,” said Merriman.
Merriman said when the province hits its target for reopening, it’s not the end of the vaccination program, as the SHA will keep offering vaccines for anyone who needs it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went
During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.
One dead, 26 wounded in overnight shooting in Ohio: reports
A shooting on a street in Akron, Ohio, killed one man and wounded 26 other people early Sunday morning, according to reports by local news outlets.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'
Canada's ambassador to Russia says while Ottawa has 'grave concerns' about the Kremlin's 'longer-term trends,' the war in Ukraine is 'a primary barrier to a change in the relationship.'
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Parachutists jumping from Second World War-era planes hurled themselves Sunday into now peaceful Normandy skies where war once raged, heralding a week of ceremonies for the fast-disappearing generation of Allied troops who fought from D-Day beaches 80 years ago.
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
South Korea vows 'unbearable' retaliation against North Korea over its launch of trash balloons
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.