Alberta expands eligibility for booster doses
Press Release
Even more Albertans will soon be eligible to book a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Emerging evidence and recent recommendations made by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization suggest immunity levels and protection against severe outcomes may decline sooner in certain groups. Receiving a third dose will help boost immunity levels and improve protection.
Starting Nov. 8, the following Albertans will be eligible to book a third dose:
- All Albertans aged 70 and older
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) people aged 18 and older
- Front-line health-care workers who received their first two doses less than eight weeks apart
- Albertans who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen while abroad
FNMI people and front-line health workers must also have received their second dose more than six months ago to be eligible.
“We continue to act on the latest evidence to inform our decisions on our vaccination program to ensure Albertans have the best vaccine protection available to them. Booster shots can add important additional protection from COVID-19, especially for the vulnerable. If, and when, we receive scientific advice to further expand availability of booster shots, we will act without delay.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
“We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable Albertans and stopping the spread of COVID-19. With evidence supporting additional doses for these individuals, we will make sure that they get them. We are also still offering first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, so it is not too late to get protected.”
Jason Copping, Minister of Health
“There is growing evidence that protection against COVID-19 may decrease over time in certain populations, including those who had shorter intervals between two doses. Additional doses will boost protection levels for these individuals and help prevent transmission of the virus. Currently, the evidence is not conclusive on the need for additional doses for the general population, but we are continuing to monitor the research.”
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health
Booking a third-dose appointment
Beginning Nov. 8, eligible individuals can book appointments for third doses online with AHS and participating pharmacies by using the Alberta vaccine booking system. Albertans can also call 811, participating pharmacies or participating physicians’ offices.
Individuals aged 18 and older who live on a First Nations reserve will be able to access third doses through public health clinics or nursing stations on-reserve.
Initial bookings are based on the honour system, but if an individual is deemed ineligible due to age or because the appropriate time has not passed since receiving their second dose, they will need to rebook when eligible.
Albertans eligible for additional doses
Eligible at least six months after receiving their second dose:
- Albertans aged 70-plus
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 18-plus
- Health-care workers providing direct patient care and who received their second dose less than eight weeks after their first dose
- Individuals who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen vaccine
Eligible at least five months after receiving their second dose:
- Seniors living in congregate care
Eligible at least eight weeks after receiving their second dose:
- Individuals with eligible immunocompromising conditions
Anyone in the general population who receives a complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series can be confident that they have strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Albertans who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to book their first and second-dose appointments as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities.
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