REGINA — All Saskatchewan adults are to be eligible Monday to receive a fourth COVID-19 shot.
The province says it is expanding eligibility for second boosters to all residents 18 and older who received their third dose at least four months ago.
Residents were able to start booking their appointments Friday with shots becoming available on Monday, the same day the province is set to open clinics.
Health officials have said COVID-19 immunity is shown to wane over time and booster doses provide increased protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death.
Previously, the second booster was available to residents 50 and older and those 18 and older living in long-term care facilities or other congregate living settings that provide care for seniors.
The province's chief medical health officer encouraged everyone to remain up to date with their shots.
"COVID-19 is still circulating in Saskatchewan and in other jurisdictions, which is why our province is expanding access," Dr. Saqib Shahab said in a statement Friday.
"All COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada have been deemed safe and our preliminary data shows that a second booster provides additional protection."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2022.
The Canadian Press
