Alberta extends window between COVID-19 vaccinations to four months

Alberta has decided to extend its window between COVID-19 vaccine doses to four months following a recommendation from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Any Albertan who books an immunization appointment after March 10 will receive a reminder to book a second appointment at a later date.

• See also:
  • Canada to extend COVID-19 emergency wage and rent subsidies
  • High-impact exercise still forbidden in Alberta’s gyms due to COVID-19 risk
  • Federal health advisory board okay with delaying of second COVID-19 doses in Canada

Research suggests one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine confers somewhere between 70 to 80% immunity,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hinshaw said at her Wednesday news briefing.

“It’s really important to give 70 to 80% protection to as many Albertans as quickly as possible that provides us with the greatest benefit overall,” she said.

She also encouraged Albertans to book one vaccination appointment and stick to it rather than booking several and cancelling them. She’s observed this practice for senior’s appointments and asked residents to be mindful that holding and cancelling appointments disrupts others’ ability to get the vaccine.

Hinshaw also announced 402 new COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths on Wednesday. There are currently 251 Albertans in hospital with COVID-19, including 48 in intensive care.