Bookings for AstraZeneca vaccine start Wednesday for eligible Albertans

Mar 9, 2021 | 3:59 PM

Some adults in Alberta will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments to get a newly-approved shot.

Health Canada approved AstraZeneca’s vaccine towards the end of February, becoming the third one alongside Pfizer and Moderna, along with Johnson & Johnson, which was approved shortly afterward.

There are two eligible groups that will be able to receive the AstraZeneca inoculation.

The first includes all Albertans born in 1957. They can book using the AHS online booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811.

The second is all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit born in 1972, although they will only be able to book by calling 811.

Pending the arrival of more doses, Albertans born in 1958-1971 will be able to reserve vaccination appointments in the coming days.

Alberta Health is recommending the AstraZeneca vaccine for Albertans aged 18-64 who are less at risk of severe outcomes.

“This is a good, safe option if you are relatively healthy and do not have a specific chronic condition; are not a healthcare worker or caregiver of high-risk individuals or do not live or work in congregate settings or live with high-risk individuals,” reads a statement from Alberta Health.

As of the end of March 7, nearly 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered across the province.

by David Opinko