COVID-19 vaccinations expand March 15 with Phase 2A
Alberta’s vaccination program is expanding to include 437,000 Albertans aged 65 to 74, starting March 15.
All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will soon be able to book appointments throughout the province. Also eligible to book vaccinations starting Monday are First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier.
Phase 2A also includes staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities who have not yet received the vaccine. Alberta Health Services (AHS) will contact these facilities directly to arrange immunization.
“Momentum is building in Alberta’s vaccine rollout plan, and we are well on our way to delivering on our commitment to provide a first dose to every adult who wants one by the end of June. The more people who step forward for vaccination when it’s their turn, the faster we’ll reduce the spread of the virus and resume activities that are important to all of us and our communities,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health.
Booking at a participating pharmacy
All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book at an increasing number of participating pharmacies across Alberta starting on March 15.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier and living off-reserve or settlement can also book an appointment at any participating pharmacy.
Please only book one appointment per person. Anyone who books and cancels multiple appointments at various locations is potentially delaying someone else’s chance to get vaccinated.
Booking with AHS
On March 15, AHS will initially limit bookings to the following groups:
Albertans born in 1947
First Nations, Métis or Inuit individuals living off-reserve or off-settlement and born in 1962 or earlier
These groups will be able to book online or by calling 811.
More appointments will open for other birth years in the following days, one year at a time. People born after 1947 should watch for announcements of appointments opening to later birth years.
Staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities not already offered vaccine will have the opportunity for appointments. AHS will be contacting these facilities directly to offer the vaccine.
If going through AHS, Albertans are asked to not try booking an appointment until it is their turn, as this will increase wait times via telephone and online.
Booking on-reserve or settlement
Individuals, aged 50 and older, who live on a First Nations reserve or on a Metis Settlement can get vaccinations through local clinics on-reserve or settlement.
AstraZeneca/COVIShield vaccine – early availability
The AstraZeneca/COVIShield vaccine is available to Albertans born between 1957 and 1971, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1986, based on supply.
Appointments are opening in stages by birth year; they are currently open to Albertans born in the years 1957 to 1960 (through AHS online or call 811) and First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in the years 1972 to 1975 (call 811 only).
People with serious chronic health conditions should consult their doctor first.
AstraZeneca is not available in pharmacies at this time.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.
Quick facts
At this time, Albertans booking appointments in Phase 2A will receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Anyone eligible in Phase 1 of Alberta’s vaccine rollout who hasn’t yet been received the vaccine can continue to book their appointment through a participating pharmacy or AHS.
To date, 333,379 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Albertans.
PHOTO
78 year old David Smale of Oyen receives his COVID-19 immunization.
PHOTO COURTESY ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICE