New vaccine now available in the Hat

By Alberta Newspaper Group on March 12, 2021.

The first doses of the Covishield/Astra Zeneca vaccine were administered to people who had an appointment in Medicine Hat on Thursday, says Alberta Health Services.

James Farrell was one of the first, said AHS.

All Albertans born in 1957 and 1958 are eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Appointments can be booked using the AHS online booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1972 and 1973 are also eligible for this vaccine but they should book an immunization appointment only by calling 811. AHS says this is due to the technical constraints of the online booking tool, which at this stage is not configured to include a cohort of one birth year without allowing every Albertan born in that year access.

AHS says depending on the supply of the vaccine, other demographic groups will be given an opportunity to book an appointment in the coming days.

For those who would prefer to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine instead, AHS anticipates being able to offer this option in May.

Covishield is the brand name of a vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India that is the same as AstraZeneca. This vaccine was approved for use in Canada on Feb. 26, is safe and effective, and will help prevent serious illness, says AHS.

For information on the vaccine rollout and how to book an appointment, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17295.aspx


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