The Public Health Agency of Canada has announced a significant change in its COVID-19 vaccine distribution policy. After this spring, the federal government will cease providing free COVID-19 vaccines, requiring provinces and territories to procure their own supplies. Saskatchewan has responded by confirming an immunization program based on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's (NACI) guidelines. The province currently holds over 100,000 doses secured through federal channels, ensuring vaccine availability for the spring campaign. However, it remains unclear whether Saskatchewan plans to purchase additional doses in the future.
Since September 18, 2023, 13.6 percent of Saskatchewan's eligible population has received a COVID-19 vaccine. The province aims to maintain immunization momentum by integrating COVID-19 vaccines with flu vaccines in their regular health campaigns. According to Nazeem Muhajarine, a community health and epidemiology professor at the University of Saskatchewan, it is unlikely that individuals will be charged for COVID-19 vaccinations.
"Eventually, you know, things could change and down the years things could change," said Muhajarine.
The recent data from the provincial Ministry of Health indicates that 71 percent of individuals who received a flu vaccine also opted for a COVID-19 shot during the 2023-2024 campaign. Muhajarine emphasized the benefits of combining vaccine distribution efforts.
"That tells us that kind of tying the COVID vaccine distribution offer the flu vaccine in the fall, it's a good thing," he stated.
NACI has advised providing an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose this spring for those most at risk of severe illness. Saskatchewan's high-risk population will be eligible for this booster. As the province plans for the fall/winter 2025-26 immunization program, the Ministry of Health remains non-committal about future vaccine purchases.
"Saskatchewan is currently planning for the fall/winter 2025-26 COVID-19 immunization program," declared the Ministry of Health.
Alexander Quon, a seasoned reporter with CBC Saskatchewan, has been tracking these developments closely. His experience includes municipal political coverage and data reporting since 2021, previous work with CBC News' investigative unit in Nova Scotia, and Global News in Halifax.
Muhajarine highlighted the necessity for provinces to focus on data sharing to make informed decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccines moving forward.
"Provinces need to work on data sharing in terms of evidence," he asserted.
As Saskatchewan advances with its vaccination plans, clarity on future procurement strategies remains pending. The province's approach will be critical in ensuring continued public health protection against COVID-19 amidst changing federal policies.
