Adriana LaGrange, primary and preventative health services
Seniors, health care workers and people with compromised immune systems can get free COVID-19 immunization in October.
The province on Friday announced its two-phase immunization program.
“We are striking a balance between protecting vulnerable Albertans and preventing vaccine wastage,” said Adriana LaGrange, minister of primary and preventative health services in a news release. “We remain committed to ensuring Albertans who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 have access to vaccines.”
Phase 1 of the fall COVID-19 vaccine program provides free vaccines to eligible Albertans.
Phase 2 makes vaccines available to everyone else for an administration fee.
Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge in Phase 1 includes:
- All residents of continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations.
- Home care clients.
- Individuals six months of age and older with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems, as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
- Health care workers.
- Individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Individuals aged 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Phase 1 appointments for eligible Albertans will begin on Oct. 1.
Phase 2 appointments for all other Albertans, pending vaccine availability, are expected to begin on Oct. 20.
Appointments will remain open for booking for those in both phases as long as supplies last or until the end of the respiratory virus season.
All Albertans can use the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at alberta.ca until Sept. 30 to register for COVID-19 immunizations.
Vaccines will be provided to most Albertans only through public health clinics in the province.
