The Saskatchewan Government and the province’s pharmacies have come to an agreement that will see them become part of COVID-19 vaccine delivery during Phase Two.

The deal announced on February 22nd is a tentative new pharmacy Proprietor Agreement with the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan. It’s on behalf of all Saskatchewan pharmacies.

The agreement maps out the fee for pharmacist delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, along with increases in prescription dispensing fees and influenza vaccine fees. It will cover a year term, starting March 1, 2021.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says they’re happy to work with pharmacies, as it creates another avenue to safely deliver vaccines to more people.

Other aspects for pharmacy delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine are currently being planned out, including which community pharmacies are participating.

It was also announced on Monday that 80 per cent of people living in long term care homes have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. From there, 43 per cent have received both their first and second dose and are now fully vaccinated.

Health Minister Paul Merriman says that they’re waiting on shipments of vaccine from the federal government. After they arrive, the SHA will be able to quickly finish vaccinating all the residents and staff in long-term care homes, the Health Minister says.