The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced today that Saskatchewan residents over the age of 85 will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments online or over the phone beginning on March 11.
The new patient booking system can be accessed either online through the vaccine page on the government’s COVID-19 website, or by phoning a booking agent directly through the new Vaccine Call Centre.
"The launch of the new patient booking system is a huge step forward in our efforts to get faster and more efficient at delivering COVID-19 vaccines," said Health Minister Paul Merriman. "Booking your appointment online will only take a few minutes, making things simple and fast for those who are scheduling their appointments."
Once the new booking system is operational, the SHA said it will be phasing out the process of contacting eligible individuals directly. Saskatchewan residents will be responsible for booking their own vaccinations.
For those booking appointments online, they will need a valid health card and a cell phone number or email address where notifications will be sent. The online portal will indicate which age category is eligible for appointments, to avoid confusion.
For those calling to book appointments, the Vaccine Call Centre will be available to callers from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, at 1 (833) SASK-VAX (727-5829).
The online system will only show available appointment times when booking, and the call centre will not have more access to appointments than what is accessible online. Clinic locations may be limited, as Phase Two locations are not yet open.
Public health has launched both systems simultaneously to aid eligible residents in booking their vaccine appointments. The phone system is for those more comfortable or without access to technology.
Additionally, the new booking system makes it possible for family or friends to aid eligible residents by booking their appointments on their behalf.
The SHA said the new booking system is currently only open to residents aged 85 or older, to better align with vaccine supply and to ensure a positive experience using the system. Only appointments to receive first doses are available through the new system at this time.
To avoid overstressing the system and causing delays in the vaccination process, public health is asking residents who aren’t eligible for vaccination not to call the phone line or attempt to book online at this time.
"This is one more tool in our toolbox that will not only help us deliver COVID-19 vaccines quicker and more effectively, and it is a system we can build on after the pandemic to create more seamless access for our patients to the services they rely on,” said SHA CEO Scott Livingstone.
The SHA also said that attempts to use the new booking system to “jump the queue” will be investigated very seriously and that all individuals will be required to provide identification when arriving at their vaccine appointment, to avoid identity fraud.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations in Saskatchewan or to book an appointment online beginning March 11, visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID-19-vaccine.
