Alberta continues to expand eligibility for AstraZeneca, phase 2A to begin next week

Alberta is taking the next step in its immunization rollout Monday, expanding COVID-19 vaccine availability to hundreds of thousands more people. The latest on COVID-19 in Alberta for Friday, March 12.

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Alberta’s vaccine supply of Covishield/AstraZeneca is nearly gone but there’s enough left for the province to open bookings for two more age groups.

Albertans born in 1961 and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people born in 1976 will be allowed to schedule their appointments Saturday at 8 a.m.

There’s a chance many who sign up will need to travel to other parts of the province as communities are starting to run low on supply.

“We received 58,500 doses of this vaccine this week & expect to run out soon – but more doses should arrive in April,” Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health, said in a tweet Friday evening.

Albertans born from 1957 to 1961, and all First Nations, Metis & Inuit people born from 1972 to 1976 are eligible to schedule an appointment.

Once more supply arrives health officials will allow the same birth years to sign up again.

Alberta is also preparing to open bookings for phase 2A which includes 437,000 people aged 65 to 74.

The province will initially limit bookings through AHS on Monday, starting with all seniors born in 1947 and First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people born in 1962 or earlier no matter where they live.

These groups will be able to book online or by calling 811.

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Booking will open for other birth years in the following days, one year at a time.

All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book at several pharmacies across the province on Mar. 15.

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier and living off-reserve or settlement can also book an appointment at any participating pharmacy.

“Momentum is building in Alberta’s vaccine rollout plan, and we are well on our way to delivering on our commitment to provide a first dose to every adult who wants one by the end of June. The more people who step forward for vaccination when it’s their turn, the faster we’ll reduce the spread of the virus and resume activities that are important to all of us and our communities,” Health Minister Tyler Shandro said in a statement Friday.

Phase 2A of the provinces vaccination plan also includes staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities who haven’t received the vaccine yet.

AHS will contact these facilities directly to arrange immunization.

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