AHS vaccinating most at risk first

By Gillian Slade on March 27, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDtkalinowski@lethbridgeherald.com

Alberta Health says every adult will be offered a first dose of the vaccine before the end of June and the roll out has been based on providing for those most at risk first.
“With limited supply, we are prioritizing giving the vaccine to those most at risk of severe outcomes.
“Every adult in Alberta will be offered a first dose before the end of June,” said Tom McMillan assistant director communications for Alberta Health.
McMillan says the data in Alberta and across the whole country shows that First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals are particularly vulnerable to experiencing severe outcomes from the virus.
McMillan says First Nations people in Alberta have a higher age-adjusted rate of death from COVID-19.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals age 65 to 84 also have higher rates of comorbidities that puts them at-risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19.
Ongoing issues of overcrowding and multi-generational or multi-family homes also heightens the risk.
Some communities may also have limited access to acute health care services, which can also place people at risk.
“Because of this evidence, we are prioritizing Indigenous people because of their particular susceptibility to outbreaks, severe illness and death due to COVID-19,” said McMillan in an emailed response.
Alberta’s approach is based on the advice of medical experts including the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and Alberta’s Advisory Committee on Immunization, said McMillan.
“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization specifically recommends prioritizing adults in racialized groups that are disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” said McMIllan.
It is understandable that people are eager to be immunized as soon as possible, said McMillan.
“We are asking Albertans to please be patient, and to be supportive of those who are in the initial groups that are eligible to be immunized,” said McMillan. “Vaccines save lives. When you do become eligible for the vaccine, book your appointment as quickly as possible.”
Information on the people who are currently eligible to book an appointment for the vaccine can be found online:
https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx#jumplinks-1

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