Provincial Press Release April 12, 2021 @ 2:39pm published at 2:47pm
With rapid flow clinics opening in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta is expanding distribution to deliver doses at a record pace.
With more than 1,300 pharmacies and 103 immunization sites now administering the vaccine, and more coming on board in the coming weeks, the province is now on pace to distribute more than 300,000 doses a week.
More than 684,000 Albertans have now received at least one dose of vaccine, helping protect them from severe outcomes and reduce the spread of COVID-19. All adults in Alberta will be offered a first dose of vaccine by the end of June, provided vaccines arrive as scheduled.
“In the race between the vaccines and variants, we are gaining ground. We will keep accelerating our rollout and timelines. We are determined to meet or surpass our commitment to offer every adult a first dose by June 30.” Jason Kenney, Premier
“Our health officials are working hard to make new shipments of vaccine available to Albertans as soon as they arrive. I strongly urge Albertans to get immunized as soon as you are eligible. When it’s your turn, please sign up for your shot, show up for your appointment and follow up for your second dose.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
In the last week, Alberta has undertaken multiple steps to increase vaccine distribution:
Fully opened Phase 2B to more than 650,000 eligible Albertans with underlying health conditions.
Opened Phase 2C to more than 240,000 health-care workers.
Opened bookings for the AstraZeneca vaccine for Albertans aged 55 to 64.
Opened rapid flow clinics in Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, in addition to the Calgary and Edmonton clinics opening on April 12.
On April 13, select participating pharmacies, initially in Edmonton and Calgary, will begin to allow walk-in bookings for immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine for eligible Albertans, rather than by appointment only. Many pharmacies remain by appointment only so please check the Alberta Blue Cross website for walk-in sites or contact your specific location to learn more about their booking process.
Alberta Health and the Alberta Medical Association are working together to incorporate physician clinics into the COVID-19 immunization response. Information on the first pilot clinics and broader expansion will be announced soon.
Additional groups listed in Phase 2C will become eligible in the coming weeks. More information will be shared as each group becomes eligible to book appointments. More than 1.7 million Albertans are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Bookings can be made through participating pharmacies or Alberta Health Services (AHS) online or by calling 811.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.