Alberta expanding third COVID doses for adults aged 60 and up

The province says evidence indicates that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection appears to wane over time.

“I am pleased that we can offer booster doses to more Albertans. Millions of Albertans have rolled up their sleeves to have their best protection against COVID-19,” says Health Minister Jason Copping.

“While two doses continues to provide strong protection against severe outcomes, we will continue to push the federal government for supply to ensure all Albertans can receive their third doses to continue limiting COVID-19 infection and transmission.”

While individual protection against severe outcomes remains strong after two doses for most people, there are still many in our communities who are completely unprotected, and third doses will help boost population protection and limit the spread of COVID-19.

“With the winter season increasing transmission risks, and more Albertans approaching the six-month milestone since receiving their second dose, the evidence supports expanding booster doses to add an additional layer of protection,” added Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw. “Vaccines continue to be our best protection against COVID-19, and I continue to encourage Albertans to book their first, second and third doses as soon as they are eligible.”

Albertans eligible for additional doses now include:

Eligible at least six months after receiving their second dose:

Albertans aged 60-plus
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 18-plus
Health-care workers providing direct patient care and who received their second dose less than eight weeks after their first dose
Individuals who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen vaccine

Eligible at least five months after receiving their second dose:

Seniors living in congregate care

Eligible at least eight weeks after receiving their second dose:

Individuals with eligible immunocompromising conditions

To book your appointment, the province has outlined how to do so:

Effective Dec. 2, eligible individuals can book appointments for third doses online with participating pharmacies by using the Alberta vaccine booking system. Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or participating physicians’ offices. The first appointments will be available starting Dec. 6.

Booster eligibility is based on birth date. Albertans who are 59 turning 60, and First Nation, Métis or Inuit individuals who are 17 turning 18, are asked to not book appointments before their birthday.

Albertans who were previously eligible for third doses continue to be able to book their appointments.

David Shepherd, NDP Critic for Health, made the following statement in response to the new availability of booster shots:

“Booster shots appear to be a prudent measure to protect Albertans from COVID-19, but this UCP government is still failing to ensure that younger Albertans have received their first and second doses.

“We need in-school vaccination clinics immediately, and a robust education and outreach program to support families in getting their kids vaccinated.

“I’m also very disappointed that Minister Jason Copping still refuses to tell Albertans the truth about how many surgeries have been cancelled because of the UCP’s unforgivable delay in introducing vaccine passports this summer. This widespread human suffering is the result of the UCP’s pandering to the extremist anti-vaccine and anti-mask faction in their caucus.”

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

by Lethbridge News Now

Alberta expanding third COVID doses for adults aged 60 and up

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