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Albertans 12+ eligible for COVID-19 vaccine starting this week

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

Starting May 10, all Albertans aged 12 and up are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

In a media conference last Wednesday, Premier Jason Kenney said vaccine appointments will be available for nearly all Albertans, with an additional 3.8 million becoming eligible. Before the announcement, Albertans aged 40 and over and those 12 and over with certain health risks were eligible for the vaccine.

“This coming Monday, every single Albertan over the age of 12 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Kenney.

“This reflects breaking news (on May 5 morning) from Health Canada the Pfizer vaccine is safe for children at 12 years of age and older, which is obviously great news. This is a major milestone in our vaccine rollout, and it comes right when we need it most.”

As those who were at highest risk of experiencing severe outcomes of the coronavirus have had an opportunity to get vaccinated with their first dose, the province can now offer the vaccine to all Albertans in two steps, to help avoid overtaxing the booking system.

As of May 6, Albertans aged 30 or older were be able to book a vaccine appointment through Alberta Health Services or a participating pharmacy, and those aged 12 and older can book an appointment, as of May 10.

The announcement comes on the heels of new restrictions being announced to try and curb the province’s third wave. Kenney acknowledged, while they were tough – “they are absolutely necessary to stop the spike of the third wave” and ease the strain on the health care system.

“We must act to bend the curb down one last time,” said Kenney. “The good news is we have vaccines on our side.”

All eligible Albertans will be able to book appointments to receive an mRNA vaccine with AHS online or through 8-1-1.

Albertans can also book an appointment for these vaccines through participating pharmacies. To find the closest location to you with an earliest available booking date, check the list on Alberta Blue Cross.

For more information on booking your vaccine, visit http://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.

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