Saskatchewan health officials are creating a new COVID-19 vaccination strategy for 2025-26 following the federal government’s decision to stop supplying vaccines to provinces.
The Saskatchewan government plans to maintain its current immunization program while developing plans to independently source and distribute vaccines.
Under the existing program, Saskatchewan residents aged six months and older can receive doses through Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) walk-in clinics, provided eight weeks have passed since their last vaccination.
A significant change took effect July 1, 2024, when pharmacies stopped giving COVID-19 vaccine shots, which are now distributed exclusively through SHA facilities.
Residents can book appointments online using their health card, phone number or email, with phone assistance available for those who need help setting up the appointment.
The Ministry of Health said it is committed to following National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, which suggest annual doses for those 65 and older, healthcare workers, and high-risk individuals.
NACI pointed out that COVID-19 activity typically peaks between late summer and early January.
“Unlike influenza, SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating year-round, without a clear pattern in disease activity,” said the NACI in a statement.
“However, since 2022, COVID-19 activity has consistently been higher from late summer to early January, coinciding with the fall/winter respiratory season.”
The province plans to release additional details about its future COVID-19 immunization strategy in the coming months.
