By Chris Brown

Seniors in congregate care, immunocompromised

Some Albertans eligible for third COVID-19 vaccine doses on Sept. 1

Aug 30, 2021 | 3:20 PM

Alberta has announced that third doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be available for seniors in congregate care facilities and immunocompromised Albertans beginning on Sept. 1.

In addition, the province says Albertans who are travelling to a jurisdiction that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed doses can get mRNA doses.

“The data shows that additional doses will offer stronger protection for immunocompromised individuals and older Albertans living in supportive living facilities,” says chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw in a news release. “Just as we offered these individuals earlier access to COVID-19 vaccines and a shorter four-week interval between doses, we will continue to work to protect all Albertans as new data emerges. However, the best way for us to protect each other is still for as many people as possible to be fully immunized.”

Seniors living in congregate care facilities will be eligible for their third dose about five months after their second dose. They will receive the third dose at their living facility.

Immunocompromising conditions that qualify for an additional dose at least eight weeks after their second dose include:

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• Transplant recipients, including solid organ transplants and hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
• Individuals with chronic kidney disease who are receiving regular dialysis.
• Individuals in active cancer treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies) excluding those receiving only hormonal therapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
• Individuals on certain medications for autoimmune diseases, including rituximab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab.

The province says about 118,000 Albertans will be eligible for an extra COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Travel vaccinations

The additional mRNA doses will be made available at least 28 days after a second dose to Albertans who are travelling to a jurisdiction that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed doses.