The province of Alberta is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots.
Individuals ages 60 and older who received their second COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago will be able to book their third-dose booster beginning today (Dec. 2).
“I am pleased that we can offer booster doses to more Albertans," Health Minister Jason Copping said.
The first appointments for booster doses will be available on Dec. 6.
Copping said immunizations will be by appointment and walk-in at over 1,400 pharmacies in the province, as well as Alberta Health Services sites and participating physician's offices.
Third doses for people ages 70 and older were made available on Nov. 8 and eligibility had not been adjusted since then.
So far, more than 378,000 third doses have been administered to Albertans.
The province has committed to providing booster shots for all Albertans 18-plus and will be rolling out eligibility in phases, similar to the process for for first and second doses that occurred earlier this year, Copping said.
To be eligible for a third dose, individuals must fall into the designated age range and have had their second dose of vaccine at least six months ago.
People who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of the Janssen vaccine are also eligible.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people 18 and over, and health-care workers providing direct patient care who received their second dose less than eight weeks after their first dose continue to be eligible for a booster. Seniors living in congregate care and immunocompromised individuals are also eligible.
Continued rollout into additional age groups will be based on uptake and overall vaccine supply, Copping said.
According to Copping, it is expected that eligibility will be fully expanded to everyone 18 and older shortly into 2022.
