Starting April 17, Alberta Health Services will accept walk-ins at the existing rapid flow clinic at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and at the Southport clinic in Calgary.
This is in addition to the 26 pharmacies in Calgary and Edmonton offering vaccines for Albertans aged 55 to 64 on a walk-in basis.
Any Albertan in this age range, regardless of where they live, can attend these locations to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine without an appointment.
Currently, 710 pharmacies continue to offer appointments for AstraZeneca vaccine and the Calgary rapid flow clinic at the Telus Convention Centre will continue to offer AstraZeneca by appointment.
AstraZeneca's first dose reduces infection by 60 to 70 per cent and, importantly, hospitalization and risk of death is reduced by 80 per cent. With COVID-19 cases rising, it offers protection now for people who would otherwise have to wait about a month to access another vaccine.
More than 27,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine have been administered in Alberta, along with 58,000 doses of CoviSHIELD/AstraZeneca. There have been no confirmed cases of the rare blood clots known as vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) in Alberta, and only one case in all of Canada.
It is important to understand that the risk of VIPIT for Albertans is exceedingly rare. It is far more likely to experience blood clots from smoking, falls/injuries and other common everyday occurrences.
However, the risk of an adverse outcome from COVID-19 infection is very real and has a much higher probability, especially with increasing age.
"This is another positive step forward in Alberta's vaccine rollout program as we continue to explore every opportunity to deliver vaccines as quickly and safely as possible to Albertans. Being able to walk in without an appointment is another convenient option that will help bring us one step closer to protecting every adult Albertan with their first dose by the end of June." Jason Kenney, Premier
"Pharmacies and AHS continue to step up to help Albertans through our pandemic response. By expanding availability for walk-ins, we will be able to protect more Albertans, and our health system, sooner. The more vaccine doses we can administer now and in the coming days, the sooner we will be able to move to the next phase of our vaccine rollout as supply allows." Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
"The AstraZeneca vaccine is effective at reducing severe illness from COVID-19, and is effective against the variant that's most dominant in Alberta. With cases rising, I recommend that those who are eligible take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves." Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health
The risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 treatment in those aged 55 to 59 is approximately 1,500 times greater than the risk of VIPIT, and the risk of death from COVID-19 in this age group is approximately 125 times greater than the risk of VIPIT.
For a list of pharmacies accepting walk-ins, as well as those taking appointment-based bookings, visit the Alberta Blue Cross website.
The AHS walk-in clinics will open April 17 and run for five days to start. The clinics will be extended subject to available vaccine and demand.
The Southport location, at 10301 Southport Lane SW in Calgary, will operate April 17-21 (Saturday to Wednesday), from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
The Edmonton EXPO Centre, at 7515 118 Avenue NW, will operate:
* April 17-18 (Saturday and Sunday): 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
* April 19-20 (Monday and Tuesday): 12:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
* April 21 (Wednesday): 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each AHS site has capacity for 500 AstraZeneca walk-ins to start. Capacity will be adjusted based on demand. Please visit AHS.ca for any clinic opening hour adjustments.
Any eligible Albertan can also book appointments through the Alberta Health Services online booking tool or by calling 811 to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Alberta's government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta's health-care system.
Quick facts
* Currently, 26 pharmacies in Calgary and Edmonton are offering walk-in vaccines for AstraZeneca, including independent pharmacies and larger chain sites. A list of these pharmacies is available on the Alberta Blue Cross website.
* All Albertans eligible in Phase 1, 2A, 2B and part of 2C can continue to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment with any participating pharmacy or Alberta Health Services (AHS).
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