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COVID-19 vaccine. (The Canadian Press)

Alberta extending time between COVID vaccine doses by up to four months

Mar 3, 2021 | 4:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is changing the timelines for when people can get their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the province is joining other jurisdictions in adopting the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s recommendation to extend the period of time between getting the first and second dose.

“Starting March 10, anyone who books a first dose of vaccine will have their second dose timeline extended up to four months.”

If you make an appointment for a first dose on or after March 10, you will be unable to book the second dose appointment at the same time. You will, instead, be notified when the time comes that you can book the second shot.

“For those who already have a second dose appointment booked, it will go ahead as scheduled and anyone who books their appointment before March 10, they’ll still be able to book a second appointment within the 42-day window.”

Dr. Hinshaw says the evidence on COVID-19 vaccines is constantly evolving, and the way provinces handle immunizations must update to reflect the newest information.

She reports that Canadian data on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shows that it offers around 80 per cent protection against infection after the first dose.

Similar information from the U.K. shows that a single dose from Pfizer-BioNTech offers 70 per cent effectiveness that stayed at a stable level over several months.

“This change will significantly increase how quickly we can offer Albertans the protection of their first dose. The more people we can offer this protection to in the coming weeks and months, the more effective we will be at stopping spread.”

Dr. Hinshaw also gave an update on the newly-approved vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca.

While Canada is receiving its first shipment today, the same is not true for Alberta.

READ MORE: First shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine arrives amid confusion over its use for seniors

The province is still working to confirm how many doses will be coming and when they will arrive.

The AstraZeneca vaccine will join the ranks for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna in the province, likely sometime next week.

“What’s clear is that all three of these vaccines reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 and prevent serious outcomes including hospitalization and death,” says Dr. Hinshaw.

255,283 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta as of the end of March 2. Approximately 89,000 people have received two doses.