From Tuesday, those aged 70 and over, as well as people from First Nations, Métis and Inuit, aged 65 and over, can get their second booster shot. The county says all seniors in centralized care, regardless of age, can also receive the dose. Health Secretary Jason Koping said in a statement Wednesday that the number of COVID-19-positive patients in hospitals remained stable. However, he said the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant now accounts for about 80 percent of new cases in Alberta, bringing the potential for increased transmission and some increase in imports. Koping said the county was in a good position to manage any increase in hospital admissions, but urged people to protect themselves. “Albertans have access to vaccines and antiviral therapies to protect against serious effects,” Copping said. The story goes on under the ad “I urge everyone to be vaccinated with every dose you are entitled to and to stay home if you feel unwell.” Eligible individuals can book their fourth installment if at least five months have passed since their third installment. READ MORE: COVID-19 in Alberta: 990 people in hospital as of Wednesday Trending Stories
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The announcement by the government of the United Conservative Party follows the recommendation of the National Advisory Committee on Vaccinations. Earlier Wednesday, Manitoba extended eligibility requirements for people receiving a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Those who meet the criteria include residents of personal care homes and gatherings, such as supportive housing and assisted living facilities. People aged 70 and over, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis aged 50 and over, are also eligible. Ontario will allow residents aged 60 and over to make an appointment for the fourth installment from Thursday, and Quebec will follow suit next week. British Columbia is offering a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to the elderly, starting with residents of long-term care and assisted living, as the level of protection from their last shot until six months ago is declining. BC Provincial Health Director Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday that people over the age of 70 in the community, indigenous people 55 and older and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable will also be included in a vaccination campaign that will increase until the spring. The story goes on under the ad The Alberta government has said it will also offer residents more vaccine options As of April 12, the province has said it will receive 10,000 doses of Novavax’s Nuvaxovid, a two-dose protein module vaccine that does not use mRNA technology and is approved for people 18 years of age and older. The province said it would also extend its eligibility for the antiviral drug Paxlovid. This will include First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals aged 45 and over who have not been vaccinated or who have received only one dose of the vaccine and people living in long-term care and defined supportive living environments, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals previously eligible included those who were immunosuppressed, regardless of vaccination status. © 2022 The Canadian Press
