Canadian Press file photo

By Shane Clausing

born in 1946 or earlier

COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be booked for seniors aged 75+ Wednesday

Feb 23, 2021 | 5:54 PM

As of February 24, Alberta seniors aged 75 and older can begin to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Tuesday in order to be eligible for the vaccine, you need to be born in 1946 or earlier. So, if you’re 74 and turning 75 this year, you will be eligible for the vaccine.

Appointments for the vaccine can be made online at Alberta Health Services website, or by calling Health Link at 811. Bookings will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the 24th and will be offered seven days a week from 8:20 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. There will be no walk-in appointments allowed.

Hinshaw said Tuesday that family members of seniors can also book appointments for them.

When you book your appointment, you will be able to choose from 58 vaccine locations across the province. This will enable people to receive the dose as close as possible to their home.

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Anyone who books their first dose will be provided a confirmation email or letter with the date, time and location for your appointment, as well as a date, time and location for when you can get your second dose.

Once you arrive at the appointment, you will be asked to show your photo identification and your healthcare card.

For those who do not have transportation to the vaccine facility, Dr. Hinshaw asks Albertan’s to help their neighbours or family members. If they are still unable to get a ride to an appointment, seniors are asked to call 211 where transportation can be arranged.

As appointments open up, Dr. Hinshaw asks Albertan’s to be patient as Alberta Health Services moves into the next phase of vaccination.

“For many folks I know it may feel like you’ve been waiting a very long time for a vaccine and you’re keen to get a first dose as soon as possible. I’m asking everyone booking appointments to please be patient, especially in the first few days.”

“For those who try to book after all initial appointments have been filled up, remember that new appointments will be made available as more vaccine arrives. With the doses we are anticipating on receiving, all Alberta seniors who want vaccine will be able to get their first dose before the end of March.”

Hinshaw also added that as vaccinations ramp up, they have plans to expand their vaccination program to various pharmacies across the province. More details on that are expected to be announced later this week.

With more and more seniors getting vaccinated, Hinshaw says this is encouraging news for the province.

“This is a major milestone in our vaccination program and in our fight against COVID-19. By continuing to vaccinate those at greatest risk of severe outcomes, we are protecting thousands of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, neighbours, friends and community members who are most vulnerable to this virus.”

“In the next few months, as we immunize those groups, it’s more important than ever that we keep being the vaccine for each other. Every day that cases stay steady or decline means that fewer Albertan’s get sick and need hospital care, and the strain on our healthcare systems eased just a little bit more. The more we can keep spread down, the safer we can keep our loved ones and communities.”