Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Albertans who are 18 years or older will soon be eligible for their third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to help increase their protection against the disease.
Starting Dec. 2, anyone 60 years and older can book an appointment for their booster dose of mRNA vaccine six months after receiving their second dose.
First appointments will be available starting Dec. 6.
鈥淚 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,鈥� said Health Minister Jason Copping in a news release.
鈥淲hile two doses continue 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.鈥�
All others aged 18-plus will be notified when the next age group can start booking appointments.
Additional age groups will be announced as soon as possible.
Other groups who were previously eligible can still book their booster.
鈥淲ith 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,鈥� said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, in the news release.
鈥淰accines 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.鈥�
NDP Critic for Health David Shepherd said booster shots were a 鈥減rudent measure鈥� but added how the UCP government was failing when it came to providing first and second doses for young Albertans.
鈥淲e need in-school vaccination clinics immediately, and a robust education and outreach program to support families in getting their kids vaccinated,鈥� Shepherd said.
鈥淚鈥檓 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鈥檚 unforgivable delay in introducing vaccine passports this summer. This widespread human suffering is the result of the UCP鈥檚 pandering to the extremist anti-vaccine and anti-mask faction in their caucus.鈥�
As of Dec. 1, there are 378,507 Albertans who have received a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Eligible individuals can book their boosters online with participating pharmacies by using the Alberta system.
Albertans can also call 811, or participating physicians鈥� offices.
