Fourth doses of the vaccine are being made available for the immunocompromised.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw provided more details in yesterday's update.

"Given that immunocompromised individuals do not develop the same levels of immunity after vaccination, we are moving to make fourth doses available to these people."

She says this will help immunocompromised individuals reach the same level of immunity as others receiving their third dose.

"Beginning this Thursday, Jan. 20, we're opening up booking opportunities for immunocompromised adult Albertans to receive a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after their third."

She noted transmissibility of the Omicron variant and the burden on the health care system in regards to increased hospitalization.

"On Sunday, our hospitalizations surpassed 1,000 total for the first time since October 14th."

According to Alberta's COVID-19 stats, over 41 per cent of those currently hospitalized have had two doses, with over 20 per cent of those hospitalized already having three doses of the vaccine.

Information provided by Okotoks Online