Vaccine Delivery Phases

December 15, 2020

• Saskatchewan conducted a pilot of the shipping, delivery and storage of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer ultra-frozen vaccine.
• 1,950 health care workers were vaccinated at Regina General Hospital.
• First recipients of vaccine were health care workers in ICUs, Emergency Departments and COVID Units at Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals and testing and assessment centres.
• Pilot recipients receive their second dose 21 days following the administration of the first dose (during Phase 1).

Late December 2020

Targeted Immunization

• Phase 1 began on December 22, 2020, and is tailored to a Pfizer delivery schedule of 10,725 doses per week. (2 doses per individual)
• Allocations of Moderna are now being received and allocated to communities in the Far North. Further distribution is to be determined, based on supplies.
• Estimated total of 202,052 doses from both vaccines in the first quarter of 2021 is anticipated. (2 doses per individual)
• Immunization targeted to priority populations, including long-term care residents, health care workers and vulnerable populations.
• Allocation information is expected to be regularly updated by Public Health Agency of Canada.

Prioritization Framework

• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has issued guidance to provinces on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer has reviewed NACI guidelines and modified them for Saskatchewan’s demographics and logistical requirements.

Saskatchewan’s framework:

1. Long-term care and personal care home residents and staff.
   Total number estimate – 30,584
2. Health care workers in emergency departments, intensive care units, COVID-19 wards and COVID testing and assessment staff.
   Total number estimate – 10,000-15,000
3. Residents 70 years and older in all communities
   Total number estimate - 131,119
4. Residents over the age of 50 living in remote/Northern Saskatchewan.
   Total number estimate – 8,921

April 2021 (Projected)

Widespread Access

• Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in April 2021.
• It will continue priority population immunization and begin general population immunization.
• Distribution will occur throughout the province at public health clinics and other vaccination delivery sites.
• Vaccination Sites: The goal is for all residents to be able to access vaccine where they live or work. Vaccinations will be done in LTC and PCH homes in Phase 1. Phase 2 will include mass immunization clinics, and vaccinations by physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists.
• Dependent on vaccine availability, sequencing of additional priority populations and general population access will be announced in subsequent planning updates.
• Planning for redeployment of public service staff is underway to support administration tasks and data entry at vaccine sites.
• Training of public service staff will begin as soon as possible to ensure rapid readiness as needed.
• Additional vaccine providers may be engaged, depending upon vaccine availability.

Phase 2 will begin sooner if vaccine supplies allow.