Pfizer COVID vaccine (The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Vaccine types, Paxlovid, rapid testing

Alberta expands access to fourth vaccine doses and other options

Apr 7, 2022 | 8:43 AM

Alberta is expanding eligibility for fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines and Paxlovid treatment for those most at risk from severe outcomes.

The government states that the number of COVID-19-positive patients in hospital remains stable and the total number of patients in hospital is normal for the time of year before the pandemic. However, they state the Omicron subvariant BA.2 now makes up about 80 per cent of new cases in Alberta, bringing potential for increased transmission and some in admissions.

“As more Albertans get back to normal, we will see cases and virus levels rise and fall. However, these fluctuations do not necessarily require the measures we’ve put in place before,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.

As a result, the province is increasing eligibility for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and Paxlovid treatment, making additional vaccines available and continuing easy accessibility to rapid tests.

Starting April 12, all Albertans age 70 and older, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people age 65 and older, and all seniors in congregate care, regardless of age, can receive a fourth dose of the vaccine, as recently recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

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“Vaccines give effective protection from severe outcomes from both BA.2 and BA.1, and a fourth dose for those at highest risk will further enhance protection,” the province said in a release.

READ MORE: Medicine Hat in highest category for new COVID-19 case rate

Eligible individuals can book their fourth dose at least five months after their third. Appointments are available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, by calling 811 or a participating pharmacy.

Individuals who require a fourth dose to meet international travel rules may also book appointments, however, the doses are not currently clinically recommended.

Vaccine options

Also from April 12, Alberta will receive 10,000 doses of Novavax’s Nuvaxovid.

Nuvaxovid is a two-dose protein subunit vaccine that does not use mRNA technology and has been approved for those 18 and older. Due to limited supply, appointments for this vaccine can only be booked by calling 811.

On Tuesday, children aged six to 11 will also have an additional option with the Moderna mRNA vaccine, as recently recommended from NACI. Appointments are available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, by calling 811 or a participating pharmacy.

Expanded Paxlovid eligibility

Effective April 6, eligibility for accessing the antiviral drug Paxlovid has expanded to include:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit people age 45 and older who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the vaccine
• Individuals living in long-term care and designated supportive living settings, regardless of vaccination status

Previously eligible individuals, including all who are immunocompromised, regardless of vaccination status, remain eligible.

This treatment is available for patients who have a lab-confirmed COVID-19 infection if they can receive the treatment within five days of symptom onset.

The government stated in a release, “As the province continues through this transition period, it is important for all Albertans to consider their individual risks. If they, or close contacts, are at risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, the province recommends taking additional precautions.”

As part of a $100-million investment in the 2022 Budget, the government says it is increasing intensive care unit (ICU) bed capacity by 30 per cent, to add up to 50 permanent, fully staffed beds this year. The increase is aimed to prevent the health-care system from becoming overwhelmed, a concern during previous waves of the pandemic.

“We’re well-positioned to manage some increase in admissions if we see that, and Albertans have access to vaccines and antiviral treatments for protection against severe outcomes. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated with every dose you’re eligible for and to stay home if you’re feeling unwell,” said Minister Copping.

Rapid testing will continue to be available at no cost in the province with over 14.2 million rapid tests distributed to pharmacies and AHS assessment centres for public access.

To find a location, visit alberta.ca/CovidRapidTests. An Alberta Health Care card is not required to pick up a rapid test kit.