The provincial government is expanding access to fourth doses of the COVID vaccine starting Tuesday.
Albertans over 70, 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.
“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 the 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,” Minister of Health Jason Copping said in a media release.
Adding, “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.”
Expanding eligibility for fourth doses is in line with a recent recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the release said.
“Vaccines give effective protection from severe outcomes from both BA.2 and BA.1, and a fourth dose for those at highest risk will further enhance protection,” the release said.
Eligible Albertans can book their fourth dose five months after they received their third.
Appointments are available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling 811, or at a participating pharmacy.
Also on Tuesday, the province will receive 10,000 doses of Novavax’s Nuvaxovid.
Nuvaxovid is a two-dose protein vaccine that does not use mRNA technology and is approved for those 18 and older, the release said.
Although the province recommends that Albertans take preventative steps such as vaccination to protect themselves against COVID-19, the province is expanding access to the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Eligibility expanded to include First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 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.
