By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Anyone who received Pfizer or Moderna as their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in May or earlier can now book their second dose.
The provincial government issued a release on June 18 stating Alberta continues to lead the way in administering second doses in Canada, with more than 25 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated. Alberta’s government is speeding up second doses by opening up appointments for all Albertans.
Anyone who received a first mRNA dose, that is Pfizer or Moderna, in June can also now book their second dose once four weeks have passed since their first shot. This means that more than 983,000 Albertans can book second appointments through Alberta Health Services and participating pharmacies and physician clinics.
“Vaccines are safe and effective, and as we can see from the numbers who have followed up with their second doses, Albertans know it. If you haven’t yet received a first dose or booked your second appointment, please do it now – it’s the right thing to do and it gives you a chance to win the Open for Summer Lottery,” said Tyler Shandro, minister of health.
“Vaccines are the best defence we have against COVID-19 and its variants. The best thing you can do to protect your health and the health of those around you is to get fully vaccinated with two doses. Please continue to enjoy the summer safely, and remember that the choices we make now will determine what kind of fall is to come,” said Dr. André Corriveau, deputy chief medical officer of health.
Albertans who had their first immunization with Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA vaccine) four weeks ago or more can book their second dose through the Alberta Health Services online booking tool, by calling Health Link at 811 or through participating physicians’ offices or pharmacies. To find the closest pharmacy with the earliest available booking date, check the list at Alberta Blue Cross.
Albertans who received a first dose of AstraZeneca should continue to wait a minimum of eight weeks before booking their second dose to ensure best effectiveness. Appointments can be booked through Alberta Health Services by calling 811.
First doses are being prioritized. Albertans who have not yet received their first dose of vaccine can still book an appointment and we urge them to do so.
Alberta Health Services is also offering a new, secure web-based portal for Albertans to enter any out-of-province and out-of-country COVID-19 immunizations they’ve received to their health records.
People can submit out-of-province or out-of-country immunization records on behalf of themselves or their child/youth under 18 years of age. Records will be reviewed by Alberta Health Services and verified information will be available within two to three weeks on an individual’s MyHealthRecords account.