Photo: Government of Alberta

By Chris Brown

"EXHAUSTED" HEALTH CARE WORKERS FIRST UP

Shandro: Alberta COVID-19 vaccinations to start next week

Dec 9, 2020 | 5:21 PM

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says COVID-19 vaccinations in Alberta will begin on Dec. 16.

The first 3,900 doses will go to ICU doctors and nurses, respiratory therapists and long-term care workers throughout the province.

“These staff are exhausted and they’ve put themselves at risk for 10 months. They need support and they need to know we’re there for them,” said Shandro. “Alberta is ready to deliver this vaccine.”

Staff from two hospitals in each of Calgary and Edmonton will be the first to get the vaccine.

Shandro hopes the vaccinations will show the health-care workers, their patients and all Albertans that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“We hope that by covering staff we will start to reduce the risk to patients and residents.”

The vaccine can only be administered at the site of delivery in this first round, so it can’t be delivered to continuing care facilities.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was approved by Health Canada today.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said while the arrival of a vaccine is positive news, “it will be some time before we can immunize most Albertans. Until then we must be the vaccine for each other.”

She also advised Albertans that they should continue to seek medical attention, saying that avoiding a necessary visit to a doctor can lead to more serious problems.

“COVID-19 has put a lot of things on hold, but your health should not be one of them,” she said. “the health system in Alberta remains a safe place to go if you need help.”

Hinshaw urged Albertans to listen to their bodies and seek medical help if needed.

(CHAT News Today)