The AstraZeneca vaccine is available for Albertans born in 1957, as well as First Nation, Metis, or Inuit individuals born in 1972 starting today, March 10. The vaccine will only be available to Albertans with no chronic health conditions.

If the AstraZeneca vaccines are not all put to use, people born from 1973 to 1986 will be eligible to book theirs by birth year, one year at a time, in the days that follow while supply lasts.

Dr. Hinshaw asks that Albertans do not attempt to sign up for a vaccine before they are eligible as it causes longer wait times for other Albertans who are eligible.

On her Twitter page, she noted that the COVID-19 vaccines take about two to three weeks in order to be effective. People can still become seriously ill with COVID-19 within those two to three weeks.

In four months, it is expected that all Albertans who desire a vaccine will have received their first dose.

Eligible Albertans can book online or by calling 811. For more information on the vaccine program, visit the Alberta.ca vaccine page.