Health

Sask. has enough COVID-19 vaccines for spring, won’t confirm whether it plans to buy more

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health has recently announced that they currently have enough COVID-19 vaccine doses to cover the province’s high-risk population throughout the spring season. The province has received over 100,000 doses, all of which were acquired through the federal government’s procurement process. However, the Ministry did not confirm whether they have plans to purchase additional doses in the future.

The federal government has been funding and distributing COVID-19 vaccines across the country since they became available. Earlier this month, the Public Health Agency of Canada quietly disclosed that this practice would come to an end. As a result, provinces and territories will now be responsible for purchasing their own vaccine supply moving forward.

According to Nazeem Muhajarine, a professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, it is crucial for provinces to collaborate with other levels of government to share data and evidence now that vaccine delivery is under their jurisdiction. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and coordination to ensure a successful vaccination campaign.

When asked about future vaccine procurement plans, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health did not provide a clear answer but mentioned that they are currently preparing for the fall/winter 2025-26 COVID-19 immunization program. Muhajarine suggested that provinces may combine COVID-19 and flu vaccines in future campaigns, as data from the World Health Organization indicates a positive correlation between the two.

As for the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, Muhajarine stated that provinces are unlikely to charge individuals for the shots, even if the province is covering the expenses. He emphasized that accessibility should not be hindered by financial barriers, especially since COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be effective. However, the Ministry declined to comment on whether any vaccine costs would be passed on to consumers in the future.

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The latest data from the provincial Ministry of Health shows that 13.6% of the eligible population has received a COVID-19 vaccine since September 18, 2023, while 19.7% have received a flu vaccine dose. Saskatchewan has confirmed that they will follow the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for the upcoming spring immunization program. This includes providing an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose to those most at risk of severe illness, such as residents in long-term care facilities, individuals with high-risk medical conditions, and individuals 80 years and older in the community.

Overall, the province is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents through effective vaccine distribution and immunization programs. By staying informed and working together, Saskatchewan aims to protect its population and combat the spread of COVID-19.

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