Immunization Clinic at Exhibition Park. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta is inches away from 70% vaccination target to reach Stage 3

Jun 17, 2021 | 1:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Albertans have lined up in droves to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but a few more need to join if we are to move to the third and final stage of reopening.

As part of the Open for Summer Plan, 70 per cent of people aged 12 years and older will need to have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 before advancing to Stage 3. When that happens, nearly all restrictions in Alberta will be lifted.

READ MORE: Province announces three-stage plan to ease restrictions

Premier Jason Kenney has been pleading for more Albertans to get vaccinated so life can return to normal in the province.

He tweeted on Wednesday that we are now very close to reaching the third stage of lifting restrictions.

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Since that tweet, AHS confirms that this number has grown to 69.7 per cent province-wide.

As of the end of June 16, here are the percentages of Southern Albertans aged 12 or older who are at least partially immunized: (note – this list originally included percentages for the entire population. It now reflects those who are 12 years or older as that is the government’s criteria for lifting restrictions)

• West Lethbridge – 76.3%
• South Lethbridge – 72.2%
• North Lethbridge – 70.4%
• Pincher Creek – 66.8%
• Medicine Hat – 65.7%
• Crowsnest Pass – 63.3%
• Cypress County – 54.8%
• County of Newell – 54.3%
• Lethbridge County – 53.5%
• County of Warner – 52.3%
• Fort MacLeod – 50.2%
• M.D. of Taber – 42.9%
• Cardston-Kainai – 42.8%
• County of Forty Mile – 36%

Medical professionals, however, have noted that vaccination rates across the Prairies have slowed down since the initial rush.

READ MORE: COVID-19 vaccination rates on the Prairies grow slowly after initial rush

A few different provincial governments, including Alberta, have introduced COVID-19 vaccine lotteries in order to encourage more people to get their shots.

READ MORE: Travel prizes added to Alberta’s “Open for Summer Vaccine Lottery”

READ MORE; More walk-in clinics open for first vaccine doses

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