New vaccination program phase starts

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Alberta is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include more people.

The province has announced Phase 2A of its vaccination program, making all Albertans 65 to 75 (born between 1956 and 1947) eligible to receive a vaccination. Also eligble are First Nations, Métis and Inuit 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 or earlier).

Phase 2A will open vaccinations to 437,000 more Albertans. But not everyone in these age groups will be able to book an appointment at first.

Starting March 15, bookings will be first limited to Albertans born before 1947 and First Nations, Métis or Inuit individuals living off-reserve or off-settlement and born in 1962 or earlier. Appointments will then open for more (younger) people, one birth year at a time.

This new phase, which started March 15, also includes staff of licensed seniors supportive living facilities who have not yet had a COVID-19 vaccine.

Albertans booking appointments in Phase 2A will receive either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments can be made online (albertahealthservices.ca) or by calling Health Link at 811. No-walk ins are allowed.

The Edgefield Co-op Pharmacy in Strathmore (100 Edgefield Pl.) and Strathmore Value Drug Mart will be participating in Phase 2A vaccinations. There are also two participating locations in Chestermere and numerous options in Calgary.