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40,000 Albertans booked for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Alberta expected to expand vaccine rollout next week
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Alberta Health Services anticipates being able to immunize individuals who choose not to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, sometime in May, using one of the other two vaccine products. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Another 15,000 Albertans are set to be immunized with the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Overall, 40,000 Albertans have booked appointments for that vaccine since Wednesday morning.

Individuals began receiving the first doses of AstraZeneca vaccine Thursday and immunization is ongoing at sites across the province.

Albertans born between 1957 and 1960 are able to book their immunization appointment using the AHS online booking tool, and by calling Health Link at 811.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1975 are able to book an immunization appointment only by calling 811.

This is due to the technical constraints of the online booking tool, which at this time cannot be configured to include a cohort of one birth year without allowing every Albertan born in that year access.

Alberta Health Services anticipates being able to immunize individuals who choose not to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, sometime in May, using one of the other two vaccine products.

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COVID-19 vaccinations are also expected to expand on Monday with Phase 2A.

At that time, all Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will soon be able to book appointments throughout the province. Also eligible to book vaccinations starting Monday are First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier.

Phase 2A also includes staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities who have not yet received the vaccine. AHS will contact these facilities directly to arrange immunization.

“Momentum is building in Alberta’s vaccine rollout plan, and we are well on our way to delivering on our commitment to provide a first dose to every adult who wants one by the end of June,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health in a release.

“The more people who step forward for vaccination when it’s their turn, the faster we’ll reduce the spread of the virus and resume activities that are important to all of us and our communities.”

All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book at select pharmacies across Alberta starting on March 15.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier and living off-reserve or settlement can also book an appointment at any participating pharmacy.

To date, the province has administered 333,379 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Covishield is the brand name of a vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India that is the same as AstraZeneca. This vaccine was approved for use in Canada on February 26, is safe and effective, and will help prevent serious illness, according to the AHS.



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Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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