Large-scale COVID-19 vaccination site set to open in downtown Calgary

A large-scale COVID-19 vaccination site will be opening at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre in April, with the capacity to vaccinate hundreds of people per day.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced on Monday that the convention centre location will operate between eight and 16 hours a day, seven days a week. Hours of operation will be based on vaccine supply.

The site will host approximately 100 vaccination stations, and it has the capacity to expand to 120 stations depending on COVID-19 vaccine availability.

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If 10 vaccination stations work to full capacity for eight hours at this site, 500 Albertans could be vaccinated each day at the convention centre.

The addition of the TELUS Convention Centre location brings the total number of AHS immunization sites in the Calgary Zone to 25.

“Calgarians have been incredible in their actions to keep each other safe throughout this pandemic,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi in the AHS media release. “With vaccines now available for many, having a central location that could facilitate a huge vaccination effort was critical.”

The convention centre, located in downtown Calgary, makes for a central spot in the city. Access by public transit is convenient, and the City of Calgary is providing free parking to anyone getting vaccinated at the site.

The vaccination site will be open to eligible individuals who have pre-booked vaccination appointments. Albertans can check their eligibility and book their appointment using the online booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811. AHS notes that there will be no drop-in appointments.

Booking at this site is expected to open later this month, for appointments beginning April 5.

“We are proud to be called on to support our province’s response to COVID-19 and provide a safe and clean space for our community to be vaccinated,” said Kurby Court, President and CEO of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

“This is one of the most meaningful events we will ever host and we will work closely with our local and provincial partners for a seamless transition into a vaccination site.”