Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccination
Starting April 8, 2024, certain Saskatchewan residents can receive one additional dose of COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine as long as it has been more than six months since their last COVID-19 XBB.1.5 dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever interval is longer).
The COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XBB 1.5 Omicron subvariant induces a stronger and more robust immune response to the current circulating variants compared to the original and bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
In Saskatchewan, COVID-19 vaccination is free and available through:
- Participating pharmacies (most COVID-19 vaccine types)
- Pop-up clinics in targeted communities
- For communities without access to a nearby pharmacy, booked appointments may be available through the online booking system.
Pharmacists cannot provide immunizations to children less than five years of age. Children less than five years old will receive their immunizations via an SHA or partnering health agency provider.
Designated vaccines, including Novavax, are available by SHA appointment only by calling 1-833-727-5829. Pharmacies may not have all approved vaccines available to them.
All of the vaccines being administered are safe and effective. All of them are important to help protect the public from severe illness and death from COVID-19.
1. Check Your Eligibility
- Adults 65 years of age and older.
- Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised with medical conditions.
- Adults 18 to 64 years old residing in long-term care facilities, personal care homes, and congregate living settings (i.e. assisted living settings) that have residents 65+ years.
Everyone in Saskatchewan six months and older who is not yet immunized with COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine remains eligible for the vaccine until June 30, 2024. As of July 1, 2024, only moderately to severely immunocompromised children who are six months to four years old may start an age appropriate XBB.1.5 dose/series.
For children age six months to four years
Children who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive two doses given four to eight weeks apart. Moderately to severely immunosuppressed individuals can receive an additional dose.
Children who have had one or more doses are eligible to receive one dose. It is recommended to wait at least six months after the last dose to get another dose.
As of July 1, 2024 children six months to four years old who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed will remain eligible to receive an age appropriate XBB.1.5 dose/series.
You can request the Novavax vaccine if you are unable or unwilling to get a COVID-19 mRNA XBB.1.5 vaccine and you are 12 years of age and older. (AstraZeneca and Janssen are no longer available). Designated vaccines, including Novavax, are only available by SHA appointment - by calling 1-833-727-5829. Pharmacies may not have all approved vaccines available to them.
2. Get Ready To Book
When you go online, you'll be asked for the following information for the individual receiving the vaccine:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Health card number
- Email address or a phone number that can receive text messages
If you do not have a valid health card, cell phone and/or email address, please call 1-833-727-5829 to book your appointment.
The booking office does not have access to extra appointments than what's available online.
Family and friends can also book online on behalf of someone who is eligible.
Note: You will never be asked for your social insurance number, driver's licence number, or banking and credit card details.
3. Book Online
The online tool is simple, fast and easy to use. It takes just a few minutes to book your appointment for your primary vaccination series and any additional dose. The system will guide you through a few simple questions, gathering consent, choice of clinic and booking date and time.
To use the online booking option you must have a valid health card, cell phone and/or email address.
4. Booking Over the Phone
Please call 1-833-727-5829 to book an appointment.
If you are looking to make a group appointment for your household, those appointments can be booked using 1-833-727-5829.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and would like to speak with a health care professional, call HealthLine 811.
5. What to Expect at the Vaccine Clinic
Only people who are eligible will get their vaccine dose. You will not receive a vaccine if you are not yet eligible.
A parent/legal guardian must be present to provide verbal, informed consent for a minor. If the parent chooses an adult designate (e.g. grandparent, aunt) to accompany the child for a vaccine, a consent form signed by the parent/guardian must be presented.
Children at least 13 years of age up to and including 17 years of age, who are able to understand the benefits and possible reactions for each vaccine and the risks of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations in Saskatchewan by providing mature minor informed consent to a healthcare provider.
Arrive prepared
Get ready for your appointment:
- Bring your valid health card and government-issued photo identification (for ages 18+).
- If you do not have photo ID you may provide two pieces of alternate identification such as a provincial health card, birth certificate, social insurance card, naturalization certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
- Children are only required to provide a provincial health card, but parents/caregivers may be required to show photo ID.
- Bring your health card and cell phone (if you have one).
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
- Practise good hand hygiene when you enter and exit the facility. Follow any other public health measures required at the facility.
- Arrive five minutes early to your appointment and expect to stay 15 minutes after your vaccine. You can bring one person with you for support.
During the Appointment
At the clinic, your appointment will take about 30 minutes:
Complete Check-in Process --> Get your Vaccine --> Wait in Observation Area (15 minutes)
I still have questions
- For inquires related to the COVID-19 vaccine, call HealthLine 811
- COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Booking System FAQ
- How to book an appointment one-pager
6. Pop-up Immunization Clinics
7. Pharmacy Vaccine Administration
Pharmacies are separate from the provincial patient booking system.
Learn about Pharmacy Vaccine Administration.