Advertisement

Alberta opens Phase 2A of COVID-19 vaccine rollout, 425 new cases confirmed Friday

Click to play video: 'Top doctor tries to reassure Albertans of AstraZeneca vaccine safety'
Top doctor tries to reassure Albertans of AstraZeneca vaccine safety
Albertans have begun receiving the first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This comes as several European countries suspended using the vaccine after some people developed blood clots. Dr. Deena Hinshaw says Albertans have nothing to fear. Fletcher Kent explains – Mar 11, 2021

Alberta is moving into the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination plan, opening vaccine appointments to even more seniors in the province.

Starting Monday, March 15, seniors born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book their vaccine appointment. First Nations, Métis and Inuit born in 1971 or earlier can also book their appointment starting Monday.

“Momentum is building in Alberta’s vaccine rollout plan, and we are well on our way to delivering on our commitment to provide a first dose to every adult who wants one by the end of June,” Health Minister Tyler Shandro said in a statement Friday afternoon.

Phase 2A also includes staff and residents of licensed seniors supportive living facilities. Alberta Health Service will contact the facilities directly to arrange vaccination.

Story continues below advertisement

While the vaccination program has opened up to more Albertans, certain age groups have to book their appointment in certain ways.

All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will be able to book their vaccine appointment at a participating pharmacy on March 15.

Click to play video: 'Health Matters: Post-vaccine lymph node swelling can be mistaken on mammograms'
Health Matters: Post-vaccine lymph node swelling can be mistaken on mammograms

First Nations, Métis and Inuit born in 1971 or earlier living on or off reserve can also book at a participating pharmacy.

Starting March 15, AHS will limit bookings to Albertans born in 1947 and First Nations, Métis or Inuit living off-reserve or off-settlement and born in 1962 or earlier.

Those groups can book an appointment by calling 811.

Story continues below advertisement

“The more people who step forward for vaccination when it’s their turn, the faster we’ll reduce the spread of the virus and resume activities that are important to all of us and our communities.”

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Anyone 50 or older who lives on a First Nation reserve or on a Métis settlement can get vaccinations through local clinics on reserve or settlement.

Click to play video: 'Proceed with caution: Edmonton doctor weighs in on COVID-19 ‘turning point’'
Proceed with caution: Edmonton doctor weighs in on COVID-19 ‘turning point’

The AstraZeneca vaccine will be available to Albertans born between 1957 and 1971 as well as First Nations, Métis or Inuit born between 1972 and 1986, based on supply.

Appointments are being made available based on birth year and are currently available to be booked by people born between 1957 and 1960 and First Nations, Métis and Inuit born 1972 to 1975.

Story continues below advertisement

As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, more than 40,000 eligible Albertans had signed up to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Daily numbers

Alberta confirmed an additional 425 cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total number of Albertans who have been confirmed to have had the novel coronavirus to 137,562.

There were 9,313 tests completed over the last 24 hours.

As of Friday’s update there were 257 people in hospital due to COVID-19, with 38 of those people in the ICU.

Two additional deaths were reported over the last 24 hours.

A man in his 80s with known comorbidities has died in the Calgary zone.

Story continues below advertisement

In the Edmonton zone, a woman in her 80s who was linked to the Churchill Manor outbreak has also died. There are no known comorbidities at this time, according to Alberta Health.

There have been 1,935 Albertans who have died from COVID-19 to date.

As of Friday afternoon there were 4,546 active cases across the province.

Click to play video: 'Alberta health minister marks COVID-19 Day of Remembrance'
Alberta health minister marks COVID-19 Day of Remembrance

There were 1,661 active cases in the Calgary zone and 1,155 active cases in the Edmonton zone.

There were 433 reported active cases in the Central Zone, 467 in the South zone and 822 active cases in the North zone.

There were eight active cases not associated to a specific zone.

To date, 131,081 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Alberta.

Story continues below advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices