After first offering COVID-19 vaccines to Albertans who were most at risk of severe outcomes, the province has moved to Phase 3 of the vaccine rollout.

That means that everyone over the age of 12 in Alberta can soon make an appointment to receive their first dose of vaccine.

With the expansion, 3.8 million Albertans will become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Today (May 5) the province announced that appointments will be staggered into two age groups to avoid overwhelming booking systems.  

Starting tomorrow, Albertans 30 or older (born in 1991 or earlier), can book an appointment through Alberta Health Services or a participating pharmacy. Then, on May 10th, bookings will expand to include Albertans ages 12 to 29 (born in 2009 to 1992).

“This is a very exciting day for Alberta and it arrives right when we need it the most," says Premier Jason Kenney. "We are battling an extremely aggressive third wave of COVID-19 and we know that vaccines are our best weapon against it."

More than 1.66 million doses of vaccine have already been administered across the province.  All vaccine appointments will continue to rely on the incoming supply to Alberta.

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the province needs every Alberta who is eligible to book a vaccine appointment to do so. 

"It may take time at first, but please be patient and book your appointment in the coming weeks. This is the most important thing you can do to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and your communities.”                                

All eligible Albertans will be able to book appointments to receive an mRNA vaccine with AHS online or through 811 or through participating pharmacies.  To find the closest location to you with the earliest available booking date, check the list on Alberta Blue Cross.

You can book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment HERE.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.ca