Alberta recorded 16 new COVID-19-related deaths over the past week, according to data released by the provincial government on Wednesday.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been 4,848 deaths connected to the virus, including 622 in Alberta Health Services’ central zone.
From Sept. 6-12, there were 1,098 new COVID-19 cases confirmed.
Over that seven-day span, Red Deer recorded 34 new cases. Other central Alberta communities recorded the following number of cases:
- Rimbey (West Ponoka County and Partial Lacombe County: 12
- Mountain View County: nine
- Wetaskiwin County (Maskwacis): nine
- Town of Olds: eight
- Red Deer County: five
- City of Camrose: five
- Town of Sylvan Lake: four
- Camrose County: two
- Lacombe and nearby Lacombe County: two
- Ponoka (East Ponoka County): two
- Clearwater County: one
- Kneehill County: one
- Drumheller: zero
There are currently 819 people with COVID-19 who are hospitalized across the provinces, including 96 in the central zone. Twenty-six people have been admitted into intensive care units – there are no ICU admissions connected to the virus in the central zone.
Starting next Wednesday, appointments for the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine can be booked for eligible Albertans who are 18 and older.
Health Canada recently approved the Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, which triggers a stronger immune response and provides additional protection against both Omicron and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain.
Albertans who have completed a primary series, including a mix of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, are eligible for the bivalent vaccine. The recommended interval between doses is a minimum of five months from the last dose or previous infection.
A shortened interval of three months can be considered (for individuals at higher risk for severe outcomes, for example), but a longer interval between doses leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer.
Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available in late September/early October for Albertans 12-17 years of age.
Additionally, starting the week of Oct. 3, the bivalent booster will be offered to residents of seniors congregate care facilities, along with the influenza vaccine.
Vaccines will be available at participating pharmacies and community medical clinics, and select AHS sites. Bookings will be available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at www.alberta.ca/vaccine or by calling Health Link at 811.
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