Saskatchewan Penitentiary. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Vaccinations

Federal inmates in Sask. boast second highest vaccination rate in country

Sep 22, 2021 | 8:00 AM

As the provincial government further amplifies its message for residents to get vaccinated, it appears the message is at least sinking in to those residing at the province’s federal institutions.

According to the latest data from Correctional Service Canada (CSC), 80.6 per cent of inmates have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. This is second only to inmate vaccination rates in New Brunswick at 80.6 and compares to 75.2 per cent in Alberta and 74.6 per cent in Manitoba.

As of Tuesday, there is one active case within Saskatchewan Penitentiary’s medium security unit. According to a statement provided to paNOW, the CSC explained it considers the health and safety of its employees and inmates to be a top priority during this pandemic, and is closely monitoring the situation at the prison. This includes a range of infection prevention and control measures, such as the provision of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We recognize that vaccinations are key to preventing the spread of the virus. All inmates have been offered the vaccine and to date, over 74 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses,” the statement said.

The statement goes on to explain inmates must consent to being vaccinated and the CSC continues to work with inmates who may have declined to address their questions or concerns.

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“At any time, if an inmate who has not consented changes their mind, they can speak to Health Services about getting the vaccine,” the CSC said.

Vaccinations totals as of Sept. 21, 2021. (Correctional Service Canada)

The CSC statement further explained they continue to communicate directly with inmates by distributing plain language and visual prevention and awareness materials (on vaccines and testing, mythbusters, protective measures). CSC’s Commissioner has also been communicating with inmates weekly regarding vaccine progress and has provided factual information on vaccine safety.

“We are also working with our stakeholders, including those representing families of inmates, Indigenous partners, and National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee members to ensure inmates who have concerns with the vaccine have the information required to make an informed decision,” the statement said.

CSC’s current levels of COVID-19 vaccination coverage is available on their website. Data related to the number of staff who have been vaccinated was not available.

Active COVID cases at provincial jails

According to information provided to paNOW, there’s currently five active COVID cases amongst inmates at provincial jails, including two at Pine Grove. There’s also five active cases amongst staff members — two at Prince Albert Correctional; two at Pine Grove; and one at the Prince Albert Youth Residence.

(Sask. Ministy of Corrections)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell