More than one million Albertans have received their third dose of a COVID vaccine. (Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

More than one million booster shots administered in Alberta

Jan 6, 2022 | 10:22 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta has surpassed the one million COVID-19 booster shot mark.

As of January 3, more than a million Albertans had received their third vaccine dose, helping to protect them against COVID-19. Doses have been delivered through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies and physician offices.

An additional two million Albertans have gotten two doses of a vaccine and are eligible for their third shot.

The province’s Health Minister Jason Copping said, “one million Albertans have made the effort to help protect themselves and our hospitals.”

“I want to thank everyone who’s gotten all three doses as well as the dedicated health-care providers who continue working hard to administer the vaccine. Working together, we will protect our health-care system and all Albertans.”

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The province noted on Thursday, January 6 that 89 per cent of Albertans aged 12 and over have received at least one dose while more than 160,000 pediatric vaccines have been administered to children aged five to 11, with thousands more appointments booked by caregivers for their children.

On the one million milestone, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said, “we know that the third dose of vaccine strengthens protection against both infection and severe outcomes from the Omicron variant.”

“I believe it is critical to use every tool at our disposal right now to protect the people and system we rely on to take care of us when we are sick. Reaching one million booster doses is a good start. I hope to see many more Albertans get their third dose as soon as possible.”

The province said the current evidence does indicate that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection appears to wane over time, especially with the Omicron variant of the virus. While individual protection against severe outcomes remains strong after two doses for most people, the province says third doses help strengthen protection against both infection and severe outcomes.

All Albertans aged 18 and over can book their booster shot appointments at least five months after receiving their second dose. Albertans aged 12 and over who are immunocompromised can also book an appointment for a booster but must wait at least eight weeks after their second dose.

More details about COVID-19 vaccination in Alberta is available here.