Bookings open for COVID-19, flu and RSV shots for Albertans

Albertans can book appointments for immunization against COVID-19 and RSV beginning today, the province said Monday.

COVID-19 and influenza immunization appointments can now be booked for openings available to the general public starting Oct. 15.

And Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization shots can be booked for openings beginning Oct. 21.

Eligible Albertans can contact Health Link at 811 to get pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a local pharmacy, the province said in a release.

"Adding an extra layer of protection this fall is the best way to guard against the illnesses that typically arise during the fall and winter months," Dr. Mark Joffe, chief medical officer of health, said in the release.

"The respiratory virus vaccines that will be offered this fall are specifically designed to offer strong defence against the strains of these viruses that are expected to circulate this season."

This year, in addition to flu and COVID-19 shots, residents of continuing care homes and senior supportive living sites who are 60 or older will have access to publicly funded Abrysvo vaccine to protect them from RSV through the Alberta Outreach Program.

Seniors aged 75 and older will also have access to a limited supply of provincially funded Abrysvo vaccine. For those not eligible through the provincially funded vaccine program, vaccines will be available for purchase, the province said.

While COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given on the same day, an RSV vaccine must be given either two weeks prior to or two weeks after COVID-19 and/or influenza immunization vaccines.

Earlier this month, it was reported that family doctors and nurse practitioners had been told they would not be receiving deliveries of flu or COVID-19 vaccines in time for the fall immunization program's start on Oct. 15.

A memo obtained by CBC News said the distribution of provincially funded vaccines to medical and nurse practitioner clinics was "temporarily paused" in April when a contract with the distribution company expired.