The pace at which central Alberta seniors will get immunized against COVID-19 will depend on how many vaccine doses are received over the next few weeks, said an Alberta Health spokesperson Tuesday.
About 460,000 doses of vaccine are needed to immunize all Albertans over age 75 in the next phase of the roll-out, said Tom McMillan, assistant communications director at Alberta Health.
“These doses are coming into the province now, and will continue throughout the next six weeks. The pace with which we can administer vaccines will depend on how many doses we receive,” McMillan added.
Alberta has the ability to ramp up capacity quickly as more doses arrive in the province, he said.
“We know that many are eagerly awaiting vaccine and we are requesting Albertans’ patience as we start immunizing seniors as quickly and safely as possible.”
The federal government updated its vaccine distribution data late last week. The federal government expects to deliver more than 365,000 doses of the PfizerNBiotech vaccine to Alberta by April 4. Moderna is on track to deliver 32,900 doses to the province by the end of February.
Starting on Wednesday, all Albertans born in 1946 or earlier (ages 75-plus) can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in two doses.
Appointment bookings can be made online at ahs.ca/covidvaccine or by calling Health Link at 811, beginning at 8 a.m.
Family members can book on their behalf, but will need the senior’s Alberta Health Care number and date of birth.
Related:
- Seniors age 75 and older can book vaccine appointments starting Wednesday
-Alberta ran out of vaccines in January
According to AHS, the locations where individuals will be sent to receive their vaccine will be offered based on their postal code.
All immunizing sites will have enough vaccine supply to support the volume of appointments scheduled so no one will be turned away from a pre-booked appointment.
AHS states there are six locations now set up to provide COVID-19 vaccine across the Central zone, with an additional five sites to be added next week.
Immunizations are by appointment only, and drop-ins are not permitted.
Those requiring transportation assistance can call 211 for options. Seniors who are immobile and cannot get to a vaccination clinic should discuss with their families and health care providers what other arrangements can be made.
Residents of lodges or private supportive living facilities will be contacted directly through their care team when the vaccine will be provided onsite. These residents do not need to book their own appointments. All arrangements will be made through site leadership and the care teams at each facility.
AHS states: “Until most Albertans are protected by the vaccine, it is imperative we continue following all public health guidelines. Keep two metres apart, wash your hands, wear a mask in public, and stay home when sick.”
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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