Pfizer vaccine. (Government of Alberta)

By Sheldon Spackman

don't wait to book

COVID vaccinations flowing well in AHS Central Zone

Apr 19, 2021 | 2:33 PM

Starting April 20, Albertans born in 1981 or earlier will be eligible to book appointments for receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.

This means Albertans aged 40-55 can receive their shots by booking through Alberta Health Services (AHS) or participating pharmacies, and getting their vaccinations at walk-in clinics in either Edmonton or Calgary or at specific pharmacies across the province.

Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Lead Medical Officer of Health for AHS Central Zone, says there has been strong uptake locally so far by those who are eligible.

“Appointments fill up very fast, so that is really encouraging,” says Achebe. “Hopefully it will continue to stay that way until we get down to the rest of the population.”

Alberta is currently in Phase 2C of its vaccine rollout plan, which includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and all other health care professionals and their office or support staff who provide in-person, direct patient care.

Annie L. Gaetz Elementary School

Red Deer school writes better future for its students

58m ago

Three Charged

RCMP make arrests after investigation into drug trafficking

1h ago

Effective 2pm, May 21, 2024

Fire Advisory lifted for Red Deer County

2h ago

It also includes individuals working in patient care facilities or providing services directly to clients in the community for AHS, Covenant Health, Alberta Precision Labs, DynaLife, and students undertaking placement practicums in clinical areas. This is in addition to healthcare workers on First Nation reserves and Metis Settlements.

Starting April 19, however, eligible groups expand to shelter staff and residents, and correctional facility staff and inmates. Shelter and correctional staff can book with AHS starting April 19 or with pharmacies starting April 20.

“We have various vaccination centres scattered throughout Central Zone administered through AHS,” says Achebe. “We have the Westerner Park in Red Deer, then we have a couple of pharmacies too that are involved in the immunizations. Booking is usually online, but you can also look at the pharmacies around and see which one to call to book your appointment.”

According to the province’s website, residents and support staff at eligible congregate living settings and workplaces at risk for large outbreaks, including front-line policing and provincial sheriffs, meatpacking plants, and group homes for disability, mental health and other types of licensed supportive living will be eligible for a vaccine in the coming weeks.

Also, caregivers of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes, including all designated family/support people of those individuals in long term care, designated supportive living and licensed supportive living facilities will soon be eligible.

Although some individuals may be hesitant to get vaccinated, Dr. Achebe reassures central Albertans that all three vaccines approved for use in Canada, are safe to use, including AstraZeneca.

“At this point, we still recommend it (AstraZeneca). However, we continue to monitor the data and what’s happening out there. But for now, I think the benefits outweigh the risks.”

Dr. Achebe says it’s important for people to remain diligent in following public health protocols while the pandemic’s third wave continues, adding not to wait to book your shot.

“There is a lot of variant strain circulating in and around Red Deer. But we are still hoping to ensure that we’ve offered a first dose at least to all Albertans or everyone in the province by the end of June.”

As of April 17, 1,147,048 doses have been administered to Albertans, while 227,770 people are fully immunized.

Click here for more information on Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine program.

RELATED: Alberta drops AstraZeneca vaccine eligibility to age 40