SUNDRE — The provincial government’s health authority is urging anyone who has not already received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to book an appointment for a one-day clinic in town tomorrow.
A press release issued today (Tuesday, June 1) by Alberta Health Services (AHS) stated the clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2 at the Sundre Community Health Centre, the stand-alone building located near the Myron Thompson Health Centre across the street from the Sundre RCMP detachment.
“Sundre has been selected for this one-day clinic to help support the province’s reopening strategy, which is dependent on immunization coverage rates,” reads a portion of the release.
“We’ll administer the Pfizer vaccine,” said AHS Central Zone spokesperson Yolanda Genu in response to follow-up questions submitted by email.
“The product used is based upon availability and is shipped in advance; thus, there would not be other products available during the single day clinic,” said Genu.
The vaccine is available to Albertans born in or before 2009, and appointments must be booked in advance either by going online at ahs.ca/COVID or by calling Health Link at 811.
“As long as appointments are available, people can book in. There is not a deadline, but the sooner residents book their appointments, the greater the chance of having an appointment time available that is best suited for them,” she said.
“So, we encourage residents to book as promptly as possible.”
“Widespread immunization will help all Albertans return to a more normal way of life, sooner,” concludes the press statement.
Asked when Albertans who have already received their first dose could anticipate the opportunity to schedule their second, Genu said, “Alberta Health sets the eligibility criteria and guidelines on timing for second doses. We anticipate further information to be coming from the Government of Alberta in the next few days.”
Premier Jason Kenney announced today that anyone who had their first shot in March or earlier can book their second doses starting immediately.
For anyone who got their first shot in April, they can book their second doses starting June 14. Anyone who received their first shot in May can begin booking their second shot on June 28.
Although vaccination rates have increased in Alberta, there are people who remain hesitant and others who outright refuse to get a shot.
But health professionals stress the important role vaccines will play in limiting the spread of the virus, said Genu.
“They are effective and safe. Immunization protects your health, as well as the health of your loved ones and the community. Although some individuals are at greater risk for severe complication, without immunization, we have seen that even healthy Albertans are at risk of severe illness and even death from this virus,” she said.
“We must all do our part to protect one another. Immunization is the single most effective means of protecting yourself, your loved ones and the greater community from COVID-19.”
As of late this afternoon, there were still 22 immunization appointments available from a total of 33, said Genu.
Vaccination rates in the Sundre local geographic area (includes west Mountain View County)
As of end of day May 31:
Age 75+: 81% (524 people)
Age 60 - 74: 69.9% (1,141 people)
Age 40 - 59: 47.9% (838 people)
Age 20 - 39: 27.9% (399 people)
Age 12 - 19: 27.8% (178 people)
All ages: 45% (3,084 people)
