COVID-19 VACCINES – ALBERTA
Pharmasave pharmacies are providing first, second and booster COVID-19 vaccines to eligible Albertans. Alberta Health has created a central appointment system to manage COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Please access the Alberta Vaccine Booking System (AVBS) to view appointment availability at your local Pharmasave.
All residents 6 months and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Alberta. Note that children ages 6 months to 4 years old must be immunized at an Alberta Health Services clinic and only select pharmacies in Alberta provide vaccines to children ages 5-11. Find more information on vaccines for children here.
First boosters (third doses) are available to everyone 12+ and some children with underlying health conditions. Second boosters (fourth doses) are available to everyone 18 and older.
Health Canada advises that over time, protection from COVID-19 vaccines can decrease. Booster doses trigger your immune system to make more antibodies, which can increase the immune response and help improve protection against COVID-19. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, will help protect you from severe COVID-19 disease. This is especially important with the Omicron variant widespread in Canada and the possibility of new variants.
Read more information from Health Canada on COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses.
Prepare for Your Appointment
- You will be screened for COVID -19 symptoms and risk factors using the Alberta Health COVID-19 screening criteria. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been told to self-isolate, do not come to the pharmacy.
- You will be asked to complete a consent form. You can complete the consent form at home and bring it with you to the pharmacy. The consent form is available here.
- You will be asked to wear a mask or face covering.
- Bring your health card with you to the pharmacy.
- Wear loose clothing with short sleeves. The vaccine will be given in your upper arm.
- Arrive on time for your appointment and not early.
- Limit the number of people who come to the pharmacy.
- After your vaccine you will be asked to wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes or as determined by the pharmacist.