Bookings for COVID-19 boosters jump as seniors in Alberta eligible for 3rd dose

A steady flow of elderly Albertans are visiting pharmacies, now that they are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

Previously, immunocompromised Albertans, as well as seniors in congregate care settings, were the only ones eligible to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. But the provincial government expanded eligibility this week to all Albertans aged 75 or older, and Indigenous people aged 65 or older.

Lillian and Rudy Franke received their booster shots Wednesday — which worked out because they had already planned to get their flu shot that morning anyway.

"The announcement came about a third shot so we thought we'd do the same thing," said Rudy, 79.

"We're very careful," said 80-year-old Lillian, as the two waited at All Care Pharmacy in Edmonton.

Alberta is one of the first provinces to offer third doses to these groups of seniors.

Alberta Health said 6,627 appointments were booked through their system Wednesday — double the number from Tuesday, and over six times the number of bookings from Monday.