(Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

starting wednesday

AHS rolls out AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible Albertans

Mar 9, 2021 | 4:23 PM

Alberta Health Services says the next groups of eligible Albertans can start booking COVID-19 immunizations Wednesday morning (March 10) at 8 a.m.

There are two eligible groups that will be able to receive the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine at this time. The first grouping includes all Albertans born in 1957. This cohort will be able to book an immunization appointment using the AHS online booking tool, and by calling Health Link at 811.

The second grouping includes all First Nations, Metis and Inuit born in 1972. This cohort will be able to book an immunization appointment only by calling 811.

Covishield is the vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. It is considered equivalent to AstraZeneca and was recently approved by Health Canada.

Pending vaccine supply, AHS says Albertans born in 1958-1971 will be offered a chance to book in the coming days, rolling one year at a time.

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The initial doses of Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine will not be available at pharmacies, AHS notes, but will be offered in communities in each zone across Alberta. Some individuals will need to travel outside their home community if they choose to receive this vaccine.

Alberta Health is recommending Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine for Albertans, 18 to 64 who are less at risk of severe outcomes, saying it a good, safe option if you are relatively healthy and do not have a specific chronic condition; are not a healthcare worker or caregiver of high-risk individuals or do not live or work in congregate settings or live with high-risk individuals

Eligible Albertans who are currently in Phase 2D have the option to receive the Covidshield/AstraZeneca vaccine now, or wait to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine when Phase 2D formally begins in early May. The Covidshield/AstraZeneca vaccine is provided in a two-dose regime, given approximately 16 weeks apart.

Albertans eligible to receive the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider as they consider options. For more information on the different vaccines and eligibility timelines, visit ahs.ca/vaccine or Albertahealth.ca