More Albertans eligible for third dose | Un plus grand nombre d’Albertains pourront recevoir une troisième dose de vaccin

The province has expanded eligibility for an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more immunocompromised Albertans to align with recent recommendations made by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Individuals with advanced HIV infection, immunodeficiency syndromes and patients receiving high-dose systemic corticosteroids are among those now able to get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“The data shows that individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions do not develop as robust an immune response from two doses and benefit from a third dose. Evidence is still emerging on third doses for the broader population, and we continue to monitor the situation. We will adapt our approach as new evidence emerges.”

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health
Qualifying conditions
Immunocompromising conditions that qualify for an additional dose at least eight weeks after a second dose now include:

Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy.
Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
Individuals with Stage 3 or advanced HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., anti-B cell therapies, high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents).
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.
Third doses of COVID-19 vaccine are also available for seniors living in congregate care. These individuals are at the highest risk of severe outcomes and potential spread within congregate living sites.

A complete two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series provides strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in the general population. Having as many Albertans as possible immunized against COVID-19 is the best thing all of us can do to protect those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable to severe outcomes.

Appointments for additional doses
Eligible Albertans can book appointments online for AHS or participating pharmacies by using the one-stop booking system at alberta.ca/vaccine. Albertans can also book an appointment by calling 811 or participating pharmacies.

For schedule and locations, visit ahs.ca/vaccine. Third doses can also be accessed at participating physicians’ offices.

Additional mRNA doses are also available to Albertans who are travelling to a jurisdiction that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed doses.