Bookings are now available for COVID-19 and influenza shots starting Oct. 15 and from Oct. 21 for RSV vaccinations
Albertans are now able to book their annual immunizations against fall respiratory viruses, the province announced Monday.
Those include vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19. A new vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also available for seniors aged 75 years or older, or who are aged 60 years or older and are also residents of continuing care and senior supportive living accommodations.
In a news release, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange cited the importance of planning ahead against circulating respiratory viruses though stopped short of explicitly encouraging Albertans to get vaccinated.
“I strongly encourage everyone to consult with their local pharmacist, doctor or health care provider to make informed decisions about their health and ensure they’re well-prepared for the season.”
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe said the vaccinations being offered have been tailored to counter the viruses expected to circulate this season.
“Adding an extra layer of protection this fall is the best way to guard against the illnesses that typically arise during the fall and winter months.”
Bookings are now available for COVID-19 and influenza shots starting Oct. 15 and from Oct. 21 for RSV vaccinations.
Appointments can be made the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a pharmacy.
Last season saw 732 Albertans die due to COVID-19, down from 973 in the 2023 season. A majority of the deaths, 453, were among those aged 80 and older but also included four children under the age of 10.
COVID-19 was the fourth-leading cause of death in the province in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, behind dementia, heart disease, and “other ill-defined and unknown causes” and ahead of several forms of cancer, drug poisonings, and heart attacks.
Just under 17 per cent of Albertans were recorded as vaccinated against COVID-19 last year, with the largest uptake coming in October before gradually tapering off in January.
Of the 854,407 shots given out, there were 54 reported adverse reactions, amounting to 0.006 per cent of all shots.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says COVID-19 vaccination is “strongly recommended” for all adults aged 65 and over, individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of COVID-19, and those who provide essential services, among other groups.
— with files from Matthew Black