Additional COVID-19 vaccine doses available April 7 for high-risk Albertans

Eligible Albertans at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness will be able to receive an additional vaccine dose at no cost starting April 7 through participating pharmacies and Primary Care Alberta public health clinics.

The province said the expanded availability follows guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, which recommends extra protection for people at greater risk of serious illness. COVID-19 continues to circulate year-round and can cause severe outcomes, particularly for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

Those eligible for an additional publicly funded dose include adults 80 and older, adult residents of long-term care homes and other seniors congregate living settings, people aged six months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised because of a medical condition or treatment, and adults aged 65 to 79 with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.

A minimum interval of three months between COVID-19 immunizations is recommended.

Appointments for eligible children under 12 and their family members may be booked through Primary Care Alberta public health clinics online or by calling 811. Eligible Albertans aged 12 and older can book through participating local pharmacies, with some locations also offering walk-in appointments. People living in First Nation communities can receive the vaccine through their local public health clinic.

The province said Albertans who are not eligible for a publicly funded dose may contact a participating community pharmacy to purchase one, where available.

Health officials are encouraging people to speak with their primary care provider about the immunization plan best suited to their needs.