COVID-19 Vaccination Prevents Serious Outcomes Across All Age Groups

Released on October 5, 2021

Approximately 78 per cent of all new cases and hospitalizations in Saskatchewan in September were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people. Transmissible diseases like COVID-19 are opportunistic:  they will spread to and among under - and unvaccinated populations.  Increased transmission in the community will result in higher breakthrough infections.

It's critical that all eligible Saskatchewan residents get vaccinated.

The Ministry of Health has updated the COVID-19 vaccination and breakthrough information for September 1-30. Highlights include:

• Of the 13,141 cases reported in September, 10,237 (77.9 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination.  Nine hundred and thirteen cases (6.9 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 2,904 cases (22.1 per cent) were fully vaccinated. Of the 2,904 cases with a second dose, 11 per cent (320) had comorbid conditions and 21.2 per cent (616) were 70 years and older.
• Of the 449 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, 348 (77.6 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Twenty cases (4.5 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 101 cases (22.5 per cent) were fully vaccinated.
• Of the 449 individuals hospitalized in September, 13 were 19 years and younger and 12 were 12 years and younger.
• Of the 83 individuals admitted to ICU, 73 (87.9 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Two cases (2.4 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 10 cases (12 per cent) were fully vaccinated.
• Of the 83 individuals admitted to ICU, four were 19 years and younger and two were 12 years and younger. 
• Among the cases reported in September, 72 individuals passed away; 35 were unvaccinated or less than three weeks after their first vaccination. 

All vaccination and breakthrough data reports are available in the COVID-19 vaccination information at Saskatchewan.ca.

Note that this vaccination and breakthrough analysis for September is based on cases that were reported in September.  This methodology has consistently been utilized for all monthly vaccination and breakthrough reports.

Take Precautions this Long Weekend

Household gatherings remain the primary source of transmission of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan.  Public health officials are asking all residents to take precautions to break the chain of transmission and prevent further pressures on health care system capacity.

• Meet and greet each other outdoors as much as possible.  While the risk of transmission is not zero, it is lower. 
• If gathering indoors, be aware of the vaccination status of all your guests.  Children under 12 are at elevated risk of transmission as they cannot be vaccinated at this time.
• Close quarters and shared food service remains high-risk for COVID-19 transmission. 
• If you are unvaccinated, you should not gather with family and friends this long weekend, as you are putting them at risk.
• If gathering in a public place like a restaurant or enjoying long weekend activities, follow the masking and/or proof of vaccination or test requirement of that location.  These requirements are in place for the safety of all.

COVID-19 Summary for October 5, 2021: 

• From September 29 - October 5, 27,364 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 1,576,702.
• As of October 5, 82 per cent of those 12+ have received their first dose and 73 per cent of those 12+ are fully vaccinated.
• There were 2,988 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan from September 29 - October 5, bringing the provincial total to 69,331 cases. Three thousand two hundred and ninety-three recoveries were recorded during the same period.
• The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan is currently 427 (35.4 per 100,000).
• Forty-four new deaths were reported September 29 - October 5. 
• There were 533 new lineage results reported for September 29 - October 5.
• As of October 5, there are 340 people in hospital: 267 are receiving inpatient care and 73 are in intensive care. Two hundred and fifty-nine of the people in hospital (76 per cent) are not fully vaccinated.
• From September 29 - October 5, there were 23,659 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan.

Daily provincial COVID-19 statistics by age, date and geographic zones including active cases, recoveries, confirmed variants of concern and vaccination information can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-cases.

Stick it to COVID - Get Your Vaccination

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is holding pop-up and walk-in vaccination clinics throughout the province, targeting under- and unvaccinated communities.  With increased demand for vaccination, the SHA is adding vaccination clinics.  Watch for details on clinic locations and times are listed on the SHA website.  Please note clinics are subject to change based on demand, weather, etc.  Any changes to clinic hours and location will be updated online.

A map of pharmacies participating in COVID-19 vaccinations is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.  

General COVID-19 Information

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.

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