(The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Province expands booster eligibility to all Albertans aged 18 and over

Dec 21, 2021 | 11:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The province has announced an expansion to the eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Effective immediately, all Albertans aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least five months ago can now book a third dose.

The province noted that expanding the availability of third doses will help provide increased protection and prevent community spread of the virus, especially amid concerns of the Omicron variant.

Premier Jason Kenney said, “there is still a lot that we don’t know about Omicron. But one thing we do know is that the most powerful protection from this highly contagious variant is to get a booster shot.”

“I urge all Albertans to step up and protect themselves and the health-care system with a booster as soon as they can.”

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Albertans are being encouraged to take the first mRNA vaccine available to them for a third dose. The province said both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines “offer a high level of protection against COVID-19, particularly against severe outcomes.”

Pfizer will be offered to Albertans aged 18 to 29 years of age for booster purposes as a cautionary measure. The Alberta Government stated, “while there is a slightly increased risk of myocarditis in younger Albertans from Moderna, especially in males, individuals are much more likely to experience myocarditis from COVID-19 infection than the vaccine.”

Minister of Health Jason Copping said. “I know that many Albertans are eager to get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine and we are pleased to now offer booster does to all Albertans aged 18 and older five months after their second dose.”

“Albertans who choose to get a third dose and make use of rapid tests are doing their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said, “third doses are especially important to protect against the Omicron variant.”

“Vaccines continue to be our best protection against COVID-19 and with the highly transmissible Omicron variant, I encourage all eligible Albertans to book their first, second and third doses as soon as they are eligible.”

All Albertans aged 18 and over at five months or more from their second dose can book appointments for third doses online with participating pharmacies or AHS by using the Alberta vaccine booking system, or by calling AHS at 811.