(980 CJME file photo)

By CKOM News

Vaccinations

SHA aiming to prop up vaccination numbers with pop-up clinics

Jun 15, 2021 | 3:49 PM

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is rolling up its sleeves in hopes of getting more Saskatchewan people to roll up theirs.

With the number of first doses lagging in recent weeks, the SHA is going to start running pop-up vaccination clinics across the province with the goal of increasing the uptake of first doses.

“The SHA is focusing on a dedicated first-dose delivery strategy through a combination of mobile and pop-up clinics in convenient locations like malls, golf courses, parks and some larger workplaces,” the Ministry of Health said in a media release.

“There will also be a fast pass lane at some clinics dedicated to people receiving their first dose of vaccine.”

The daily number of first doses administered in Saskatchewan has stalled of late, leaving the province short of its target of having 70 per cent of people 12 and over vaccinated with one dose. Once that goal is reached, the province can lift all public health measures.

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Figures provided by the Ministry of Health in its COVID update Tuesday showed the province is more than 30,000 first doses short of its target. Over the past week, an average of just under 2,900 first doses have been administered per day, meaning it would take more than 10 days at the current pace for the government to reach its goal.

As of Tuesday, 48 per cent of individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 have got their first shot. The percentages are slightly higher for people aged 18 to 29 (50 per cent) and 30 to 39 (57 per cent), but the SHA still plans to provide what it called “ the best opportunities for fast and easy vaccinations for this working age group.”

The list of clinics can be found here and it will be updated when new dates, times and locations are announced.

People can still make vaccination appointments online or by phone (1-833-727-5829), or by attending drive-thru or walk-in clinics. They also can get a shot at a participating pharmacy.

Changes to isolation requirements

The government also announced Tuesday that anyone who is (a) 14 days past their second shot at the time of being exposed to a COVID-positive person and (b) asymptomatic doesn’t have to isolate when named as a close contact.

“More than 20 per cent of those 12 and up in Saskatchewan are considered fully vaccinated,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a release. “The level of protection provided by two doses of the vaccine is enabling us to announce new guidelines around self-isolation.”

However, the government stressed the change to self-isolation doesn’t apply to people with COVID symptoms.

As well, anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated or who has received only one dose must still self-isolate if they’re named as a close contact.

“Public Health has the discretion to require fully vaccinated close contacts to isolate if they are considered at higher risk of serious illness or for increased transmission, or they live in settings at risk of outbreaks,” the government’s release said.

“Self-isolation of fully vaccinated close contacts may also be required in any health care setting, including long-term and personal care homes and congregate living settings like group homes and corrections facilities.”

The federal government still requires people to self-isolate for 14 days after international travel.