As Saskatchewan continues its push to get everyone in the province vaccinated as soon as possible to limit the spread of COVID-19, the premier said the eligibility age for AstraZeneca is under review.
“Half of Saskatchewan residents over the age of 40 have now received their first dose of a COVID vaccine, significantly lowering the risk of severe outcomes from COVID,” Scott Moe said in a Tweet Monday.
Read more:
Ontario, Alberta to lower minimum age for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from 55 to 40
“To ensure more Saskatchewan residents have access to a COVID vaccine as quickly as possible, Saskatchewan is actively reviewing lowering the eligibility age for the AstraZeneca vaccine to residents aged 40+ following Health Canada guidance and similar decisions by Alberta and Ontario.”
To ensure more SK residents have access to a COVID vaccine as quickly as possible, Saskatchewan is actively reviewing lowering the eligibility age for the AstraZeneca vaccine to residents aged 40+ following Health Canada guidance and similar decisions by Alberta and Ontario [2/2]
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) April 19, 2021
Canada’s federal health minister, Patty Hajdu, announced Sunday said that provinces and territories were “free to use” AstraZeneca’s vaccine on any groups aged 18 and above, despite the country’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendation to not give the vaccine to those under 55.
Hours later, both Alberta and Ontario said they would start administrating the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 40 and older.
Read more:
Saskatoon COVID-19 vaccination drive-thru closing on Sunday night
“This decision is based on growing scientific knowledge about the vaccine and is based on Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s advice,” Kenney wrote in Tweet Sunday evening. “Details will follow tomorrow (Monday) morning and bookings will open for Tuesday.”
Albertans 40 years of age and older can now book their appointments as of 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Albertans born in 1981 or earlier can receive the AstraZeneca starting tomorrow. This means 575,425 more Albertans can get vaccinated.
Book your shot starting tomorrow at 8am. Visit https://t.co/t6gSnm4lw9 or call 811. Walk-ins are available.
Details: https://t.co/mhg83J9IXF https://t.co/z4BmxCgHBF pic.twitter.com/BB79i3T4hI
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) April 19, 2021
In a statement Sunday, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Health Minister Christine Elliott said, “based on current supply,” pharmacies and primary care settings in the province would be offering the vaccines to the now larger age group starting Tuesday.
As of April 20, Ontarians aged 40+ can receive the AstraZeneca #COVID19 vaccine at pharmacy or primary care settings. All Health Canada approved vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and your loved ones.
Sign up when it's your turn! https://t.co/FAYpWphFDs pic.twitter.com/c2wIxWkHw0
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) April 19, 2021
— with files from the Canadian Press and Global News’ Katrina Ramlochan, Hannah Jackson, Saba Aziz, Twinkle Ghosh and David Lao.