Albertans can begin booking their annual vaccines against fall respiratory viruses.
Appointments can be made through the Alberta vaccine booking system, by calling Health Link at 811, or by contacting pharmacies directly.
The first appointments for COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be on Oct. 15. Both vaccines can be received on the same day, the province says.
Appointments for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) shots will begin on Oct. 21.
“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, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said in a news release.
“The respiratory virus vaccines that will be offered this fall are specifically designed to offer strong defense against the strains of these viruses that are expected to circulate this season.”
The province says as a new initiative this year, residents in continuing care homes and seniors aged 60 and older in supportive living facilities will have access to the publicly funded Abrysvo vaccine for RSV through the Alberta Outreach Program. Seniors aged 75 and older living in the community can access a limited supply of that vaccine.