(Saskatchewan Health Authority/Submitted)

By Lisa Schick/CJME News

COVID Vaccine

How you’ll know when you’re eligible for a COVID vaccination

Feb 10, 2021 | 6:06 PM

The province released more details of its vaccine rollout plan Tuesday, and though there are some puzzle pieces missing, the bits of the picture are more clear around how people will be told they’re eligible and how they’ll be able to book a vaccine appointment.

In the current vaccination phase, Scott Livingstone — CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority — said the SHA has been contacting long-term care residents and health-care workers directly to book their appointments.

For those who are 70 years or older in the community, Livingstone said the health authority will try to contact people directly whenever possible when their area is chosen. However, the authority will also utilize local media like newspapers and radio, social media, posters, and direct mail.

In smaller communities, Livingstone said there are other options.

“If we can’t get ahold of people directly, we have physicians and other members of the community that are helping us gather folks up,” said Livingstone.

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When it comes to the second phase, when vaccinations are opened to the wider public, Livingstone said the health authority will use those bigger ways of informing the public like local media, social media, ads, posters, direct mail, as well as the provincial news conferences.

Currently, appointments are being booked on the phone, depending on the community phone numbers have been provided.

Livingstone said in March a toll-free number will be set up, as well as an online booking system.

If someone does miss the notifications for their eligibility, Livingstone said they won’t miss their place in line — they’ll always be eligible to get a vaccination.

Livingstone said he’s getting lots of calls from people who are anxious and eager to get their vaccine, but he admits they’re in a holding pattern right now with the shortage of vaccine doses.

“But as soon as we get that vaccine and start moving through the rest of the priority groups, we’ll be contacting those individuals in multiple different ways to ensure that they know that they’re eligible,” said Livingstone.