Alberta COVID Vaccine: Doctors urge Albertans to get their updated shot

The new Alberta COVID vaccine is the key to preventing another possible wave of COVID-19 and flu infections, health experts say, as Alberta faces another possible wave of COVID-19 infections and a severe flu season. Health experts are urging Albertans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

The updated COVID vaccine, which targets the XBB.1.5 variant, is available to most Albertans who have had their last shot or infection at least three months ago. Online bookings for the latest COVID vaccine started on Monday, Oct. 16 and the vaccine is effective for all age groups and can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

The flu vaccine is also important to prevent a “tripledemic” of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 that could overwhelm Alberta hospitals. The flu season in Australia was very bad this year, and Alberta could face a similar situation.

Dr. Daniel Gregson, an infectious disease specialist with the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, said vaccination is especially important for older Albertans and those under five, who have the highest risk of hospitalization from both COVID-19 and the flu.

Dr. Eddy Lang, head of emergency medicine in the Calgary zone, said he is seeing COVID-19 patients of all ages in the ER, including young and healthy people. He said many of them have high-risk underlying conditions like asthma and chronic lung disease, and need IV treatments and oxygen.

He said the situation will get worse as influenza picks up in the coming weeks.

“It’s very concerning because we know from the Australian experience that the flu season was a very bad one, and there’s no reason to think we won’t also be affected.”

According to the most recent provincial data, the flu season has resulted in 90 confirmed cases, 20 hospitalizations, two ICU stays, and one fatality so far.

The province has recently updated its COVID-19 reporting method. The available data indicates that, from the end of August until now, there have been 552 hospitalizations, 27 ICU admissions, and 40 deaths related to COVID-19.

Who is Eligible for the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?

Most Albertans are eligible for the latest COVID-19 vaccine if it has been at least three months since their last shot or infection. The new COVID-19 formulation, designed to target the XBB.1.5 variant, is expected to be available to Albertans six months of age and older.

How to Get Your Alberta COVID Vaccine

You can book your appointment for your updated COVID-19 vaccine through the province’s online booking system, through community pharmacies, or by calling Health Link at 811.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available to Albertans six months of age and older.

What to Expect When You Get Your Alberta COVID Vaccine

When you go to your appointment, you will need to fill out a short health questionnaire and show your identification. A healthcare worker will give you your shot in your upper arm muscle. You will need to wait for 15 minutes after your shot to make sure you don’t have any side effects. Most people don’t have any side effects, but some may have mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Benefits of Getting Your Alberta COVID Vaccine

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu is the best way to protect yourself and others from these preventable illnesses.

Vaccines teach your body how to recognize and fight off a specific virus. When you get vaccinated, your body makes antibodies that can attack the virus if you ever get exposed to it.

Vaccines are very safe and effective. Millions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, and the vaccines have been shown to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from both diseases.

Conclusion

Albertans are urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu to protect themselves and their communities from these preventable illnesses. The vaccines are safe and effective, and they have been proven to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.