The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is slated to establish COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Warman, Martensville and several other area communities in early April.
The province officially began Phase 2 of its delivery program on March 18. Residents age 67 and older in the general population (as well as those age 50 plus in the far north) are able at this time to book appointments for the vaccine..
According to the provincial government’s official website, Warman and Martensville will each have one mass immunization walk-in clinic and one drive-through clinics
The communities of Borden, Delisle, Langham and Whitecap First Nation will have mobile vaccination clinics.
Rosthern will have a mobile clinic and a mass immunization walk-in clinic.
Duck Lake, meanwhile, will have a mass immunization walk-in clinic.
A total of 149 mass immunization clinics, 23 drive-through clinics, and 58 mobile clinics will be set up in communities across the province when Phase 2 vaccinations begin in early April.
In addition, vaccinations are likely to be available through participating pharmacies and physicians’ offices.
The mobile clinic in Langham is expected to be held at the Affinity Community Hall, although dates and times are not known.
In Delisle, the vaccination clinic will be in the Delisle Seniors Centre, 309- 1st Street West. Dates and times of the clinic are not yet available.
Delisle Town Councillor Deb Winder said she’s pleased the SHA is hosting a mobile clinic in the community.
“We have a lot of seniors here, and it’s important that they are able access the vaccine close to home,” she said.
In other communities the locations are still in the process of still being confirmed .
Preliminary indications suggest the mass immunization clinic in Warman is likely to be in the former Dollarama store in the Warman Plaza, located on Central Street.
Warman’s drive-through clinic is expected to be in the Warman Fire Hall on Centennial Boulevard.
According to Warman City Manager Bob Smith, the city must have the fire hall drive-through clinic ready for operation by April 1. The drive-through clinic will utilize two bays of the fire hall for vaccinations, A total of 12 vehicles per hour, or 144 per day, can be accommodated at the drive-through clinic.
Both clinics are expected to be open 12 hours a day, seven days a week for several months.
Smith said the city is doing its best to facilitate the SHA’s requirements for hosting the clinics. He added the fire department will “work around” the drive-through clinic.
“There won’t be any disruption in the level of service or protection for residents of the City of Warman or RM of Corman Park,” said Smith. “Obviously, having a drive-through clinic in the fire hall will have some impact, but the fire department personnel will make whatever adjustments they need to and will simply carry on as always.”
The locations of the Martensville mass immunization clinic and drive-through clinic are not confirmed.
When Phase 2 bookings begin, residents in qualifying age groups will be able to book appointements online or phone the Vaccine Booking Office at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829).