As supply for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine becomes scarce, the province is moving all remaining shots to those waiting for their second dose. 

In her COVID-19 update on Tuesday afternoon (May 11), Dr. Deena Hinshaw said that more than 255,000 doses of AstraZeneca have been administered in the province.  

With global supply challenges, it’s unknown when Alberta will receive more doses. Because of this, the province will save the doses we have for second doses, which will be needed as soon as early June, or those who have a contraindication to an mRNA vaccine. 

Unless there is a contraindication, all first dose appointments being booked now are for a mRNA vaccine, namely, Pfizer and Moderna. Dr. Hinshaw says we are receiving more than 230,000 doses a week of these vaccines. 

Dr. Hinshaw says they are currently reviewing all available evidence and awaiting the results of clinical trials in the UK to determine whether Albertans who received a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine will be able to receive an mRNA vaccine for their second dose. 

Alberta is waiting at least 12 weeks to give those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine their second dose, as this provides the most protection.