Calgary 
Alberta is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine to mitigate the potential for increased transmission and some increase in hospital admissions due to Omicron subvariant BA.2
Beginning April 12, all Albertans age 70 and older, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Alberta age 65 and older, and all seniors in congregate care regardless of age can receive a fourth dose of vaccine provided at least five months have passed since their third dose (or 1st booster dose).
Though a fourth dose is not currently clinically recommended for all other age groups, the province is allowing it for those wanting to meet international travel rules.
The announcement follows NACI’s recommendation of rapid deployment of a second COVID–19 vaccine booster dose program for 80+ population. NACI suggested local public health agencies may aim to provide a second booster dose 6 months for adults 18 years of age and older.
Novavax’s Nuvaxovid & Moderna mRNA Vaccine:
Albertans who are 18 years and older and who have not been vaccinated can also choose Novavax’s Nuvaxovid starting April 12, as the province will receive 10,000 doses of the two-dose protein subunit vaccine that does not use mRNA technology.
Vaccine appointments are available by calling 811 only for those choosing Nuvaxovid.
Parents can also choose Moderna mRNA vaccine for children aged six to 11 beginning April 12th as the vaccine was recently approved by Health Canada for the said age group.
Antiviral Drug Paxlovid Eligibility:
The province is also expanding eligibility for the antiviral drug Paxlovid to include First Nations, Métis and Inuit people age 45 and older who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of vaccine and individuals living in long-term care and designated supportive living settings, regardless of vaccination status.
Paxlovid is available for eligible patients who have a lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection if they can receive the treatment within five days of symptom onset.
Minister of Health Jason Copping said in a news release, “As more Albertans get back to normal, we will see cases and virus levels rise and fall. However, these fluctuations do not necessarily require the measures we’ve put in place before. The number of COVID-positive patients in hospital remains stable at this time. The total number of patients in our hospitals is also stable, within normal capacity overall, and in line with the level at this time of year before the pandemic.”
“We’re well-positioned to manage some increase in admissions if we see that, and Albertans have access to vaccines and antiviral treatments for protection against severe outcomes. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated with every dose you’re eligible for and to stay home if you’re feeling unwell.”
HOW TO BOOK A FOURTH DOSE:
Who: All Albertans age 70 and older, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Alberta age 65 and older, and all seniors in congregate care can book their fourth dose provided at least five months have passed since their third.
Albertans who require a fourth dose to meet international travel rules may also book appointments.
When: Starting Tuesday, April 12, 2022
How:
