In addition, 72 per cent of eligible Albertans are now fully immunized with both doses, helping protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Increasing hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions among unvaccinated Albertans are challenging the health system that all Albertans rely on.
Starting Sept. 20, vaccine-eligible individuals will be required to provide government-issued proof of immunization or a negative privately paid COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours to access a variety of participating social, recreational and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province.
All eligible Albertans are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to help prevent transmission and protect the health system.
“Thank you to not only every Albertan who has stepped up and got vaccinated but who have booked doses. We’ve seen a rush in bookings in recent days, and every dose will help bend down the curve and protect our health-care system. While many have stepped up to get their COVID-19 vaccine, we need as many people as possible to get their first and second doses immediately to reduce stress on our health-care system.”
“Vaccines help prevent serious illness and deaths from COVID and are our best protection against this virus. Today’s milestones are a step in the right direction, but Albertans need to follow up with their second doses as soon as they can to protect themselves and their neighbours. Greater vaccine coverage means a reduced spread and less stress on our hospitals.”
“Millions of vaccines have been administered here and around the world. The evidence is clear: Vaccines are very safe and they work. If you haven’t got your shot yet, it is critical that you do so now to help protect yourself and our health-care system.”
First doses offer a high level of protection against COVID-19, and when followed by a second dose, help to provide the best and longest-lasting protection against the virus and its variants.
Albertans can book appointments online for AHS or participating pharmacies by using the one-stop booking system at alberta.ca/vaccine. Albertans can also book an appointment by calling 811 or participating pharmacies. Walk-in appointments for first doses are also available. For schedule and locations, visit ahs.ca/vaccine.
All Albertans age 18 and over are eligible to enter Alberta's vaccine lottery once they’ve received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Registration for the final $1-million draw closes on Sept. 23.
Alberta has also launched an incentive program to deliver a $100 debit card to Albertans 18 years of age and older who receive a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine between Sept. 3 and Oct. 14 to encourage more Albertans to get protected as soon as possible. A complete list of rules is available online at alberta.ca/VaccineDebitCard.
More information on the Restrictions Exemption Program is also available at alberta.ca/COVID19.
Quick facts
- On Sept. 16, 28,158 first and second vaccine doses were given, compared to 9,750 on Sept. 15.
- As of Sept. 16, we have now administered more than 5.75 million doses.
- As of noon on Sept. 16, 24,608 Albertans have registered for the vaccine incentive program.