Banff 
Alberta today announced residents aged 50+ are now eligible to book appointments for a booster dose of mRNA vaccine six months after receiving their second dose.
All health-care workers who had their second dose six months ago or longer are also eligible.
The province is expanding booster eligibility as a measure to mitigate the rise of new COVID-19 cases due highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Booster eligibility is based on birth date.
Albertans who were previously eligible for third doses continue to be able to book their appointments
“Vaccines remain the most effective tool we have against COVID-19. It is especially important to get the booster dose when eligible with emerging information about third doses being more effective against the Omicron variant,” said Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw in a statement. “Vaccines give good protection against severe disease and hospitalization but their effectiveness can decrease over time, especially with this new variant. I encourage eligible Albertans to take advantage of the increased protection that third doses offer, even if they have had a previous COVID-19 infection.”
Alberta also announced free rapid tests for Albertans and changes to social gathering rules.
Who is eligible for additional doses:
Albertans eligible for additional doses now include:
Eligible at least six months after receiving their second dose:
- Albertans aged 50-plus
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 18-plus
- All Health-care workers
- 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
How to book booster doses:
Eligible individuals can book appointments using:
- Online using Alberta vaccine booking system.
- Call 811
- At participating pharmacies
- Participating physicians’ offices.
