March 12, 2021
EDMONTON - The next groups of eligible Albertans will be able to start booking COVID-19 immunizations starting March 13 at 8 a.m. They will be able to receive the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine only at this time.
This additional grouping includes all Albertans born in 1961. This cohort will be able to book an immunization appointment using the AHS online booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811.
This group also includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1976. This cohort will be able to book an immunization appointment by calling 811.
This means that all Albertans born in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1961, and First Nations, Metis and Inuit people born in 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1976 are eligible for Covishield/AstraZeneca.
Alberta received an initial allotment of 58,500 doses of Covishield/AstraZeneca, and more is coming.
However, vaccine supply of Covishield/AstraZeneca is running low in certain communities in the province. If you choose to receive this vaccine, you may need to travel to another community to receive it.
We anticipate running out of the current supply of Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine soon; however, more is anticipated to arrive in April. Once additional supply of Covishield/AstraZeneca arrives, we will open the same birth years again to ensure all individuals that want this vaccine and are eligible will receive it.
The Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services websites maintain lists of birth years for all those eligible for immunization at this time.
As the online tool is adapted to expand eligible birth years, it will be unavailable at times. On March 13, the tool will be unavailable from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. It will be ready at 8 a.m. for the eligible cohorts.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1976 (inclusive) are able to book an immunization appointment only by calling 811. This is due to the technical constraints of the online booking tool, which at this time cannot be configured to include a cohort of one birth year without allowing every Albertan born in that year access.
To avoid delay and ensure swift, efficient access to immunization, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1976 (inclusive) are asked to book appointments by calling 811.
For individuals who choose not to receive the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine, we anticipate being able to immunize these individuals using other vaccine products sometime in May.
Covishield is the brand name of a vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India that is the same as AstraZeneca. This vaccine was approved for use in Canada on February 26, is safe and effective, and will help prevent serious illness.
The estimated rollout plan for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is available on the Alberta Health website. Timelines are subject to change depending on vaccine supply.
Find information on the vaccine rollout and how to book an appointment.
