Changes to the time between the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccines were announced by the Saskatchewan government yesterday, with the changes expected to speed up the administration of the rollout to allow for everyone in the province to have access to their first dose by the end of June. The changes come as part of recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.  

“We are moving forward with a four-month window between the first and second doses of our vaccines,” explained Scott Livingstone, the CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, during a press conference Thursday afternoon. “This is based on increasingly strong evidence that first doses are effective.” 

The changes to the second dose timeline won’t be applied to long-term care and personal care residents, as well as staff who have yet to receive their full two-dose series. Any existing second dose appointments will also be kept, and completed as scheduled.  

Along with the announcement about the changes to the timeline, it was also announced there will be an exception to the eligibility rules for the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan, due to the recommendations from the National Advisory Council in regards to the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

It is recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine be targeted to those under the age of 65, so Saskatchewan residents between the ages of 60-64, as well as phase one priority health care workers, will be offered the first 15,500 doses to arrive in the province.  

Health care workers will receive notification of their eligibility from the Saskatchewan Health Authority while members of the public who are eligible will be able to book by phone. Residents are asked to not call to book a vaccination appointment at this time, as the details of the booking process have yet to be announced. 

"Saskatchewan is leading the nation in vaccine delivery and the promise of a predictable and increasing supply will ensure that every resident who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one that much faster," Health Minister Paul Merriman said.  "Based on the evidence, we will see protection for our general population increase, protecting those of us at highest risk."