By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
The provincial government will offer COVID-19 vaccines to all seniors in Alberta ages 75 and older.
The province announced on Feb. 19 that starting that same day, Alberta Health Services will offer the vaccine directly to all residents in retirement centres, lodges, supportive living and other congregate living facilities with residents who are aged 75 or older.
Starting Feb. 24, any Albertan living in the community who was born in 1946 or earlier will be eligible to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointment availability will be based on vaccine supply.
“We are immunizing Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes. By completing Phase 1, we will ensure that the most vulnerable Albertans are fully protected against this virus. We are working hard and moving fast, and will keep expanding our approach as more doses arrive,” said Tyler Shandro, minister of health.
Independent and community seniors
Anyone who was born in 1946 or earlier will be able to receive the vaccine, regardless of where they live. Seniors will be able to book their immunization appointment through Alberta Health Services using an online and telephone booking system.
Details on how to book – by phone or online – will be released on Feb. 24, and links will be posted on the COVID-19 vaccine web page. Information about supports for isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges will also be posted.
Seniors living in congregate settings
Alberta Health Services will be offering the vaccine directly to all residents in retirement centres, lodges, supportive living and other congregate living facilities with residents who are aged 75 or older. Health officials will contact seniors congregate care facilities to arrange appointments for immunization services.
In sites where eligible seniors interact with residents younger than age 75, health officials will offer the vaccine to everyone living in the facility. Offering COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously to all residents reduces the overall risk of disease transmission, severe illness and death in the most vulnerable.
Eligible Albertans
Seniors aged 75 and older will join the list of Albertans who are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine, including:
• Health-care workers in COVID-19 units, medical and surgical units, and operating rooms.
• Health-care workers in emergency departments.
• Home care workers.
• Residents and staff of long-term care and designated supportive living facilities.
• Respiratory therapists.
• Paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
• First Nations, Métis and persons 65 years of age and older living in a First Nations community or Metis Settlement.
Completion of second doses in long-term care and designated supportive living facilities
• Residents at Alberta Health Services contracted long-term care and designated supportive living facilities in Alberta are now fully immunized against COVID-19.
• 29,233 residents across the province have now received two doses of vaccine. This represents all eligible residents at these facilities, except those too sick or otherwise unable to receive both doses.