The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced that Phase Two of the province’s vaccination plan will begin today, and the provincial government will be allowing residents to take a paid leave from work to receive their vaccine.
Beginning at noon on March 18, Saskatchewan residents aged 67 years or older are now able to book their vaccination appointments using the online or phone booking system.
Residents who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable are also now included in the eligible group and will receive a letter containing instructions for booking their vaccine appointments.
Targeted vaccination in selected congregate living settings, like group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities and emergency shelters, will also begin at this time.
The introduction of the new appointment booking system has drastically sped up the deployment of vaccines in the province, said a press release. The province had previously anticipated beginning Phase Two vaccinations in April.
"This move into Phase Two is ahead of the anticipated schedule but with the vaccine and the ability to move forward swiftly, we do not want to delay,” said Health Minister Paul Merriman. “This achievement is great news for our residents and our province as every vaccination delivered brings us one day closer to returning to normal."
Individuals included in Phase One will still remain eligible for vaccination, and those appointments will continue until first and second doses are completed.
Public health also noted that with the expansion into Phase Two, more vaccine clinics will be opening across the province in the coming weeks as more vaccines arrive from suppliers.
As the vaccination program expands, the provincial government has also announced that employees will be allowed Special Vaccination Leave from work to receive their vaccine, similar to the provisions that allow residents to vote during an election.
Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2020 act now entitle workers to three consecutive hours leave during work to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with no disruption to pay or other benefits.
Employers may grant workers more than three hours leave, if the employer determines circumstances warrant it.
The new regulation comes into effect on March 18 and is expected to help speed up the vaccination rate in Saskatchewan.
For more information on Phase Two of the Vaccine Delivery Plan, visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine.
