Leader staff
As of December 21, 2021, all Albertans 18 and older who received their second COVID-19 vaccine at least five months earlier can receive a third dose, says an Alberta government news release.
This means any adult Albertan who received their second dose July 21 or earlier.
In the news release Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health says, “Third doses are especially important to protect against the Omicron variant. Vaccines continue to be our best protection against COVID-19 and with the highly transmissible Omicron variant, I encourage all eligible Albertans to book their first, second and third doses as soon as they are eligible.”
The news release says, “Albertans are encouraged to take the first mRNA vaccine available to them for a third dose. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer a high level of protection against COVID-19, particularly against severe outcomes.
“Pfizer will be offered to Albertans 18 to 29 years of age for booster purposes as a cautionary measure. While there is a slightly increased risk of myocarditis in younger Albertans from Moderna, especially in males, individuals are much more likely to experience myocarditis from COVID-19 infection than the vaccine.”
Vaccines can be booked at https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/, the website or participating pharmacies, or by calling 811.
Other COVID news
On December 15, the Alberta government released its plan to respond to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This includes expanding rapid testing, vaccine boosters, increasing health-care capacity, and clarifying health measures.
Regarding the health measures, the news release says, “Indoor social gatherings will remain limited to 10 people. This applies to Albertans aged 18 and over, with no limits on those under 18. Additionally, there will be no limits on number of households and no distinction between vaccine and unvaccinated attendees. With these modest changes, Alberta’s social gathering restrictions remain among the most stringent in Canada.”
Free rapid test kits are available at the Slave Lake COVID testing site, which is the old fire hall, says https://www.alberta.ca/rapid-testing-at-home.aspx. Also, at Kinuso Health Services, Wabasca Healthcare Centre, Wabasca/Desmarais Community Health Service, Red Earth Creek Community Health Services, and Trout/Peerless Lake Health Centre.