Acting on the recommendations of the Alberta Advisory Committee on Immunization, starting today, expanding immunization to most vulnerable groups, anyone 75 and older who received vaccination at least six months ago will be eligible for a 3rd booster shot. Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit will also be able to access a third COVID vaccine dose.

Evidence suggests that this move is necessary to protect the most vulnerable. Health Minister Copping says, “We know that COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for our older populations and continue to do everything we can to keep them safe. Over three-quarters of eligible Albertans are now fully immunized. I encourage everyone to think of their family, friends, and neighbours and get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Vaccination uptake has increased with 84.5 per cent of the population now having received one shot of vaccine while 75.1 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated. 

Health Minister Copping says, “The gap is much larger in second doses, that means there’s a big pool of people who have already made the decision to get vaccinated but haven’t followed through with that second dose. We need them to do that.” Alberta Health Services will be working with pharmacies to make sure that people are reminded to get the second shot. 

Information provided by the Government of Alberta/CochraneNow