Seniors over 75 years of age across Alberta are encouraged to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Having more vaccine arriving in our province means we can continue protecting our most vulnerable citizens as quickly as possible, starting with those who are most at risk of severe outcomes. Immunizing our seniors against COVID-19 is another important step forward in keeping our families, our communities, and our health-care system safe,” said the Minister of Health, Tyler Shandro.
Albertans who were born in 1946 or earlier can now schedule their vaccine online or by calling 811. Appointment availability will be determined by vaccine supply.
Seniors 75 years of age and older will be directed to vaccination clinics that are closest to where they live.
Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can call 211 for information on help finding a ride to an appointment.
“We know that age is the greatest determining factor in whether someone may experience severe outcomes due to COVID-19. I want to remind our eligible seniors that vaccines are safe and effective. Now that it is your turn, please arrange to be immunized to protect yourselves and those around you,” said the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is also offering the vaccine to all residents in retirement centres, lodges, supportive living, and other congregate living facilities with residents aged 75 or older.
AHS will directly contact these facilities to arrange appointments.
In sites where eligible seniors interact with residents younger than age 75, health officials will offer the vaccine to everyone living in the facility in order to reduce the overall risk of disease transmission, severe illness, and death.
Beginning Feb. 24, seniors over 75 can book their vaccination appointment at participating community pharmacies in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary.
Appointments will start the first week of March. As more vaccine arrives, more participating pharmacies will begin to offer the vaccine.
“The Alberta Pharmacists’ Association is very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Alberta Health towards the launch of this program. Community pharmacists are well prepared and ready to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. As the vaccine supply increases in the province, we look forward to expanding the program to include all community pharmacists in pharmacies across the province. Alberta’s vaccinating pharmacists are committed to supporting the provincial efforts led by Alberta Health towards safe, efficient vaccination for all Albertans as quickly as possible,” said the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association CEO, Margaret Wing.
Health officials have been working with the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association to develop a program for pharmacists to provide vaccines in their communities.
Initially, the vaccine will be limited to participating pharmacies in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary.
Participating pharmacies were selected based on geographic and population needs, as well as their demonstrated ability to handle large volumes of vaccinations in short time frames.
The number of pharmacies is limited due to vaccine supply, strict storage, and handling requirements for the vaccine. As more vaccine becomes available, additional pharmacies will be able to participate in other communities.
Each participating pharmacy will adhere to strict protocols and has demonstrated experience with immunizations and the specialized skills needed to safely provide COVID-19 vaccines.
Albertans are strongly encouraged to have both doses of vaccine provided at the same location.
Albertan’s eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine include health-care workers in COVID-19 units, medical and surgical units, and operating rooms, health-care workers in emergency departments, home care workers, residents and staff of long-term care and designated supportive living facilities, respiratory therapists, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, First Nations, Métis and persons 65 years of age and over living in a First Nations community or Metis Settlement.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx.
