Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready for every grown-up Albertans

Key takeaways: 

• Deena Hinshaw declares the 2nd and 3rd cases of omicron in the region.
• Health Minister Jason Copping declared Wednesday that Alberta will give booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to every adult. 

Alberta confirms second and third cases of the Omicron variant: 

The region is getting booster shots ready for every grown-up Albertans.

Beginning Thursday, all Albertans aged 60 and older can reserve appointments for a booster dose of mRNA vaccine six months after getting their second doses.

First dates will be available opening Monday, Health Minister Jason Copping declared Wednesday at a press conference.

“Current evidence suggests that vaccines give long-lasting protection against severe disease and hospitalization, but their effectiveness against infection can decrease over time,” Copping stated. Source – cbc.ca

At a similar update, Dr Deena Hinshaw, the region’s chief medical officer of health, unveiled Alberta has reported two more cases of the omicron variant, making the total in the region three.

Only people aged 60 should be reserving appointments for boosters at this time, Copping stated.

Read more: Several provincial post offices close following the Canada Post vaccine order

“Going forward we will open up bookings to additional age groups as long as we have supplied.” Source – cbc.ca

‘Older individuals first’

Other Albertans aged 18 and older will be informed when the next age group can reserve appointments for booster shots. Further age groups will be declared as soon as possible, he spoke.

“We’re offering third doses to older people first … because older people are at an increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.” Source – cbc.ca

Suitable individuals can reserve appointments for third doses online with sharing pharmacies by utilising the Alberta vaccine booking system. 

Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or engaging physicians’ services.