(Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Abby Zieverink

Booster shots

Alberta rolling out third doses of COVID-19 vaccines September 1

Aug 30, 2021 | 4:10 PM

Third shots of the COVID-19 vaccine are being rolled out starting September 1 in Alberta.

The province, in a release issued Monday afternoon, says Albertans who will be eligible for their third dose of the vaccine include seniors living in congregate care facilities, as well as immunocompromised individuals.

Government officials say receiving a third dose will help boost immunity levels and improve protection for all seniors in congregate care facilities and those with compromised immune systems.

“The data shows that additional doses will offer stronger protection for immunocompromised individuals and older Albertans living in supportive living facilities,” said chief medical officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, in the release.

“Just as we offered these individuals earlier access to COVID-19 vaccines and a shorter four-week interval between doses, we will continue to work to protect all Albertans as new data emerges.”

In addition, mRNA doses will also be made available to Albertans who are travelling to an area that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed doses.

The Alberta government says seniors living in congregated care facilities will become eligible for their third dose roughly five months after they received their second dose.

Immunocompromised conditions that qualify for an additional dose at least eight weeks after their second dose include:

• Transplant recipients, including solid organ transplants and hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
• Individuals with chronic kidney disease who are receiving regular dialysis.
• Individuals in active cancer treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies) excluding those receiving only hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
• Individuals on certain medications for autoimmune diseases, including rituximab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab.

“We remain committed to protecting Albertans from COVID-19, and vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to offer this protection,” explained the Minister of Health for Alberta Tyler Shandro, in the release.

“We have always relied on the latest research to guide our decision-making, and now that evidence shows immunocompromised individuals and seniors in congregate care will benefit from getting a third dose, we are pleased to provide them.”

The Alberta government says there are 118,000 Albertans who would be eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. Which includes roughly 60,000 Albertans being immunocompromised, and 58,000 living in seniors supportive living.

Eligible Albertans can book their COVID-19 vaccine here.