The Saskatchewan Health Authority has now confirmed the province will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from American company Moderna in addition to already arranged shipments of the vaccine from Pfizer.
Health Canada cleared the Moderna vaccine for use earlier today, approving the vaccine for individuals 18 years or older.
Saskatchewan is expecting 4,900 doses to arrive by Dec. 28, in addition to the weekly delivery of 10,725 doses previously promised by Pfizer.
“The approval of the Moderna vaccine means more high-risk Saskatchewan residents will be able to be immunized against COVID-19,” said Health Minister Paul Merriman, in a press release. “This vaccine allows us to continue with our Phase 1 plans to target residents where they are living and working, whether in long term care and personal care homes, in northern and remote communities and in health care staff outside our major centres.”
Much like the Pfizer vaccine, Moderna’s immunization also requires two doses administered 28 days apart and must be refrigerated until use.
Unlike the Pfizer doses, the Moderna vaccine can be kept at slightly lower temperatures, making it easier to distribute to rural and northern communities for priority immunizations.
Moderna vaccines will be used for Phase One priority individuals, which includes residents and staff in long-term care and personal care homes, frontline health workers, residents aged 80 years and older and residents in northern communities aged 50 years and older.
The SHA’s Vaccine Delivery Plan began earlier this month, with the immunization of frontline health care workers in both Regina and Saskatoon. A total of 1,597 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been provided for this phase.
Widespread public access to the COVID-19 vaccine for the public is still expected to begin in April, during Phase Two of the province’s vaccination plan.
Public health is still reminding residents that despite the vaccine rollout, it is still important to continue practicing safety measures like hand sanitation and physical distancing, while also following public health orders.
For more information on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
