Sask. health authority urges people to get COVID-19 vaccine with thousands of appointments available
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is encouraging the public to “#FinishTheFight” as COVID-19 restrictions ease - and the number of people receiving vaccines is dropping.
On Wednesday, 6,358 doses were reported as administered, a 53 per cent drop from the same day the previous week. On Tuesday 2,419 vaccines were reported as administered.
“Summer is a great time for coming together with friends and family, and it’s even better when you know that everyone is safe from COVID-19,” the SHA said in a release.
“The SHA encourages all residents to be immunized with both doses as soon as you are eligible, making sure you’ve done your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”
According to the SHA, 57,000 booked appointments are available for first and second doses at clinics in the province.
Dalyn Bear, project manager for the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) vaccination centre, said things aren’t as busy as they have been, with almost no wait time for most walk-in appointments, but he said it’s a good sign.
“It’s definitely dwindling down, but that’s a good thing, and that’s what we wanted to see. We wanted to make sure we got to the point where numbers are decreasing.”
Bear said they are pushing for 600 doses administered per day, and with just over two weeks left until the clinic is done, he is hoping more people take advantage of the low wait times.
“Our doors are wide open, we will be here Monday to Friday 9:30 until doses are done. We’re here to get it done, it definitely helps travel, and we’re here to make sure summer is a good place to be. We’re back to normalcy, so lets get it done,” Bear said.
Bear said the work being done by all parties involved with the clinic has been crucial to the success they’ve seen with the number of vaccines they have administered.
“It’s about the Indigenous community coming together and delivering to being part of society, the community. So far we’ve administered close 30,000 vaccines,” Bear said.
“We definitely want to work hand in hand, partnered with Saskatoon and surrounding communities. It’s very important and vital for us to do that, and we’re very proud.”
With restrictions lifted in the province, Bear said now is the time to keep up the fight against COVID-19 in order to enjoy the summer to its full potential.
PARAMEDIC HOPES MORE PEOPLE GET VACCINE
Dennis Opekokew was at Sasktel Centre for his daughter’s second dose. He has been fully vaccinated since March as he is a primary care paramedic.
He is hoping those around him take the initiative to get the shot so he can feel safer while enjoying the rest of his summer.
“Myself, I’m vulnerable. I do work in the front line, but I’m also diabetic and have high blood pressure. I am considered one of the vulnerable, and in order to be safe around friends and family I would prefer for them be vaccinated, otherwise the mask comes up still,” Opekokew said.
Opekokew’s daughter, Aurora Ben, said she feels more confident being fully vaccinated, but she is still going to take precautions to keep her father safe at work.
“The mask is going to stay, cause he is a paramedic, and I’d rather not get him and danger,” Ben said.
Ben was in and out of the clinic with almost no wait time, a bonus to Opekokew as he was worried how long the process could take.
“It frees up the rest of the time. We didn’t know if we’d be here an hour or two, or even longer. Being here for 20 minutes is preferable.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.