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ELIGIBLE POPULATIONS Will there be priority groups that receive the vaccine first?
Yes. Alberta receives all vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, through the Government of Canada. The federal government determines on a per-capita basis how many vaccines Alberta receives, and advises us when we expect to receive the vaccines. Every province in the country is in the same situation and experiencing similar challenges regarding limited supply of the vaccines from the federal government at this time. As these vaccines are in very limited supply, our government is implementing a phased approach to target key populations in the earlier phases of the COVID-19 Immunization Program. The precise timeframes depend on the availability of the vaccine. To determine which groups are included in each phase of the plan, we consider the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and Alberta’s Advisory Committee on Immunization, and focus on Albertans who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease outcomes or who are at increased risk of transmitting infection to those who are most vulnerable. We recognize and understand that many people want to be immunized immediately. We are moving quickly to make the doses we receive available to those who are eligible, and we will continue to do so going forward. However, it will take time to receive enough COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government to offer immunization to everyone who wants it. We are asking Albertans to please be patient while we all wait for enough vaccine for each of our turns, and to be supportive of those who are in the initial groups that are eligible to be immunized. More information on vaccine distribution can be found at alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx. This site will continue to be updated as additional information becomes available. VACCINE ACCESS How will I know when I am eligible for vaccine and where to access it? The Government of Alberta is taking a phased approach to who receives the COVID-19 vaccine first to protect those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, and health care workers essential to maintaining the pandemic response. Over time all Albertans, for whom the vaccine is licensed, will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 immunization plan will expand once vaccine supplies increase and are more reliable. Eligible groups and where to access the vaccine will be communicated using public announcements, the Government of Alberta website or dedicated phone services (i.e. 2-11), Alberta Health Services immunization webpage, COVID-19 updates by Dr. Hinshaw, news media and social media. When can my child receive the vaccine? The safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in children under 16 years of age has not yet been established. Manufacturers are conducting clinical trials in children, which will help inform recommendations about use in children once more data become available. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is licensed for individuals 16 years and older and the Moderna vaccine is licensed for individuals 18 years of age and older. It is too soon to know what ages future vaccine will be licensed for. When vaccine supply is sufficient, NACI recommends that the Pfizer vaccine may be considered for youth 12 to
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