Table of contents

Get your shot to win

All Alberta residents 18+ who have had 2 doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine can enter the Open for Summer Lottery for a chance to win $1 million or other summer prizes, and the Outdoor Adventure Vaccine Lottery for a chance to win hunting, fishing or camping experiences.

You must enter each lottery separately for your shot to win both.

If you're not vaccinated yet, book your shot today so you can enter.

Open for Summer Logo

Book your free shot. It's safe and easy.

COVID-19 vaccines help prevent you from getting infected and protect you from getting severely sick if you do get it. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.

Everyone born in 2009 or before (turning 12+) can get their first and second doses now.

Book your shot at participating pharmacies and physician clinics, through the AHS online booking tool or call 811. Temporary walk-in clinics are available for first doses of an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine.

Find a pharmacy Book AHS or find a walk-in Find a doctor's office

Progress to date

As of July 29:

  • 5,294,361 doses administered
  • 75.8% of Albertans 12+ with at least one dose
  • 65% of Albertans 12+ fully vaccinated
  • 935 adverse events following immunization reported (learn about vaccine safety)

See full stats and map

Second doses

Every Albertan should get their second dose when they're eligible. A single dose of COVID-19 vaccine offers at least 80% protection against severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. However, second doses are needed to get the best and most long-lasting protection.

  • Second dose for mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) recipients

    If you got an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your first dose, you should get an mRNA vaccine for your second dose to become fully vaccinated, but it doesn't need to be the same brand. Both Pfizer and Moderna are considered interchangeable so book the first appointment available.

    Youth ages 12 to 17 must receive the Pfizer vaccine for both doses.

    For more on mRNA vaccines, including information on safety, side effects and effectiveness of second doses, see second dose for mRNA recipients (PDF, 54 KB).

    When to book

    • Book your second dose 4 weeks after your first dose.

    How to book

    Where possible, AHS and participating pharmacies who administered your first dose will contact you when you are eligible for your second dose. You do not need to wait to be contacted to book an appointment once you are eligible and you can choose where you go to get your second dose.

    Safety of second doses

    Rare cases of heart inflammation (known as myocarditis and pericarditis) following COVID-19 vaccination have been reported in Canada and internationally.  International data suggests this may occur more frequently after receiving a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, but cases remain extremely rare.

    For more information, see Questions and answers: myocarditis and/or peridcarditis following COVID-19 vaccines (PDF, 344 KB).

  • Second dose for AstraZeneca recipients

    If you got AstraZeneca for your first dose, you can choose either the AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) for your second dose.

    Both options will provide additional protection and count as completing your immunization in Canada. International jurisdictions may have different standards for a complete immunization series.

    Effectiveness and safety information is provided below to help you make the decision that best meets your needs.

    When to book

    • Book your second dose 8 weeks after your first dose of AstraZeneca

    How to book

    Effectiveness after second dose

    • AstraZeneca
      • In clinical trials, AstraZeneca prevented 60% to 80% of sickness from COVID-19 and was even more effective in preventing severe illness and death, starting 2 weeks after the second dose.
    • mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna)
      • Most studies looking at giving an mRNA vaccine after a first dose of AstraZeneca are not finished yet.
      • An early study from Spain showed greatly improved immune response, compared with no second dose, when Pfizer vaccine was given 8 or more weeks after a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
      • It is possible that using different vaccines might stimulate the immune system in different ways and provide a stronger immune response, but studies are still ongoing.

    Safety of second doses

    • AstraZeneca
      • A very rare but serious condition of blood clots combined with low levels of blood platelets (known as VITT) has been reported.
      • In Canada, there has been one case reported for every 55,000 first doses.
      • The rate of blood clot cases after a second dose is not clear yet, but data from the United Kingdom currently suggests it is much rarer than after first doses – roughly 1 case per 600,000 doses were reported after 9 million second doses given.
    • mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna)
      • No instances of VITT or other safety signals have been reported from mRNA vaccines.

    Possible side effects after second dose

    • AstraZeneca
      • Most reactions, like headache and tiredness, are rarer and milder than the first dose.
    • mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna)
      • A study from the United Kingdom showed that people who got the Pfizer vaccine 4 weeks after a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine had more general reactions like fever and aches than those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their second dose.
      • In a study from Spain where people had the Pfizer vaccine 8 weeks after a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, side effects were mild and went away on their own.

    Learn more: Second dose for AstraZeneca recipients (PDF, 51 KB)

  • Second dose for immunocompromised

    Immunization for immunocompromised individuals should occur at a time when the individual is most likely to mount an immune response. Physician consultation is recommended regarding the timing of immunization based on the individual’s treatment.

    General guidance is as follows:

    • Pfizer or Moderna – 21 to 28 days after your first dose
    • AstraZeneca – 8 weeks after your first dose is recommended, but as early as 28 days after your first dose if that is the most appropriate timing

After your vaccine

  • Rules for fully vaccinated people

    Alberta entered Stage 3 of the Open for Summer Plan on July 1. Except for a few limited restrictions in specific settings, all public health measures have been lifted.

    Learn more

  • Isolation and quarantine requirements for vaccinated Albertans

    Fully vaccinated

    If you are fully-vaccinated* and are exposed to a COVID-19 case:

    • If you have no symptoms, you are not required to quarantine.
    • If you do have symptoms, you must isolate for 10 days and should get tested – your isolation can end early if you test negative.

    Partially vaccinated

    If you are partially vaccinated** and are exposed to a COVID-19 case:

    • If you have no symptoms, you must quarantine for 10 days and should get tested.
      • Your quarantine can end early if you test negative on day 7 or later.
      • If you test negative before day 7, you must remain in quarantine and need a second negative test on day 7 or later to end quarantine.
    • If you do have symptoms, you must isolate and should get tested.
      • If you test negative before day 7, you must continue to quarantine (10 days total from exposure date).
      • If you test negative on day 7 or later and your symptoms have resolved, your quarantine can end.

    Learn more about isolation and quarantine requirements.

    Travel requirements

    Quarantine rules have changed for fully and partially vaccinated Canadians returning from travel outside of the country.

    Learn more about COVID-19 travel requirements.

    *You are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving both doses in a 2-dose vaccine series, or 1 dose in a 1 dose vaccine series.
    **You are considered partially vaccinated 14 days after receiving the first dose in a 2-dose vaccine series.

  • Immunization records

    You will receive an immunization record at your vaccination appointment.

    You can also access immunization records on MyHealth Records.

  • Vaccinated outside Alberta

    Updating provincial records

    • Anyone who received a first dose or was fully vaccinated outside of Alberta can submit their information online at ahs.ca/vaccineregistry.
    • You can submit out-of-province or out-of-country immunization records for yourself or on behalf of your children under 18 years of age.
    • Submitted records will be reviewed by AHS, and verified submission information will be available on your MyHealthRecords account within 2-3 weeks.

    Getting your second dose

    • Anyone who was partially vaccinated outside Alberta can get a second dose here when they are eligible. Please bring the original written record of your first dose with you to the appointment.

    Call Health Link at 811 if you have any further questions.

  • Third doses/booster shots
    • Given the global shortage and ongoing trials on third doses, fully immunized Albertans are not eligible for a third dose at this time.
    • The existing vaccine schedule provides excellent protection, including against variants of concern.
  • Travel
    • In Canada, individuals that have had 2 doses of an approved vaccine are considered fully vaccinated, even if each dose is a different type.
      • In Canada, the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD vaccines are recognized as the same product.
    • International travel requirements continue to evolve. Check the policies of individual countries, state/local governments, cruise lines and/or venues and events before travelling.
      • Some jurisdictions are only accepting travellers that are fully immunized with vaccines they have authorized.
      • The Government of Canada continues to work with jurisdictions around the world to have all vaccines authorized in Canada, including mixed series, recognized as valid doses.
    • There are currently no immunization restrictions for visitors entering the United States, including for those who received  AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD as part of their immunization series.
      • Some individual private sector events, such as shows and concerts, may have different rules.
      • For more information, visit the CDC website.
    • Upon return to Canada, quarantine and testing requirements may be reduced for fully immunized travellers who meet specific conditions. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.

Vaccine facts

Busting myths is about being armed with the facts. Get the information you need to stay safe.

Get the facts

Need time off work?

All working Albertans can access 3 hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the vaccine. Learn more.

Need a ride?

Isolated seniors and those with mobility challenges can get a ride to and from their appointment. Call 211 for help.

Need translated info?

Vaccine info is available in عربي, 中文, हिंदी, 한국어, فارسی, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, Af-Soomaali, Español, Français, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt, اردو.

Who should get vaccinated

Every Albertan who can get vaccinated, should get vaccinated.

Vaccines make our immune systems stronger by building antibodies to help prevent and fight off diseases. Because COVID-19 is a new virus, no one has previous immunity. It is much safer and more effective to get immunized than it is to get infected.

Get vaccinated

  • Albertans born 2009 or before (turning 12+)
  • Recovered from COVID-19

Consult doctor first

  • If you have questions about the vaccine or your health conditions

Don't get vaccinated

About the vaccines

All approved vaccines are safe, effective and will help prevent serious illness. You're encouraged to review current evidence to make an informed decision about your health.

  • AstraZeneca (COVISHIELD) vaccine

    The AstraZeneca (COVISHIELD) vaccine is proven highly effective in preventing serious illness and death in adults.

    Who should get it

    • Eligible Albertans 18 and older.
      • Albertans 18 and older can access the AstraZeneca vaccine if they have a contraindiction to, or refuse, the mRNA vaccines
      • Second doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are also available to those who received the vaccine as their first dose.

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Not currently recommended for people under 18.

    Effectiveness

    • Reduces infection by 60-80% and was even more effective in preventing severe illness and death.
    • May be less effective preventing spread to others, but evidence is still emerging.

    How it works

    • Viral vector vaccines use a modified harmless virus (vector) to carry the genetic code for the COVID-19 virus spike protein. Once in the cells, the vaccine provides instructions for the cell to make the spike protein, which then cause your immune system to produce antibodies that will protect you against COVID-19.

    Possible side effects

    • Pain at injection site, body chills, feeling tired or feverish are common.
    • Allergic reactions are rare. As with any medication, you should contact your health care provider if you experience any health concerns.
    • Rare instances of blood clots (known as VITT) are under investigation. These are rare and treatable.
      • To date, Alberta has reported 5 cases and 1 death.
      • Based on cases identified to date in Canada, the rate of VITT has been estimated at approximately one case in 55,000 first doses of vaccine.
      • The rate of VITT after a second dose is not clear yet, but data from the United Kingdom currently suggests it is much rarer than after first doses – roughly one case per 600,000 doses were reported.
         
  • Moderna and Pfizer vaccines

    The Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines are proven highly effective in preventing serious illness and death.

    Who should get it

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Effectiveness in younger people has not yet been established.
    • Consult your doctor if you have questions about your health conditions.

    Effectiveness

    • Prevents severe illness and death by 80-90%.

    How it works

    • Uses mRNA technology to teach cells how to make a protein to trigger an immune response and make antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus. It does not alter your DNA.

    Possible side effects

    • Pain at injection site, body chills, feeling tired or feverish are common.
    • Allergic reactions are rare.
    • No major safety concerns have been identified.
    • Rare cases of heart inflammation (known as myocarditis and pericarditis) after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine have been reported internationally and in Canada are under investigation. These are cases are rare, treatable, and typically mild.
      • As of July 21, there have been 6 reported cases of myocarditis in Alberta. It is not yet certain that this condition was caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.
      • Cases occur most often in males under 30, after getting the second dose of an mRNA vaccine.
      • Myocarditis and pericarditis are common, and are more likely to occur as a symptom of a viral infection – including COVID-19 – than as a vaccine side effect.
      • Learn more about myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines (PDF, 444 KB)
  • What's the difference?

    All 3 vaccines help our bodies learn how to protect us against future infection from the virus that causes COVID-19, but use a different mechanism to get the attention of the immune system:

    • AstraZeneca uses a modified harmless virus (vector) to carry the genetic code for the COVID-19 virus spike protein. Once in the cells, the vaccine provides instructions for the cell to make the spike protein, which then cause your immune system to produce antibodies that will protect you against COVID-19.
    • Moderna and Pfizer use a mRNA technology to teach cells how to make a protein to trigger an immune response and make antibodies to fight the real virus. It does not alter your DNA.

    While all 3 vaccines are highly effective, Moderna and Pfizer appear to be slightly more effective than AstraZeneca:

    • Moderna and Pfizer are 80-90% effective in preventing severe illness and death
    • AstraZeneca is about 60-80% effective in reducing infection and is even more effective in preventing severe illness and death. It may be less effective preventing spread to others, but evidence is still emerging.

Vaccine safety

Thanks to worldwide collaboration, COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly without compromising safety. Every approved vaccine has met Health Canada's strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.

Vaccine info

Info for Albertans

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If you have any questions about this collection of personal information, you may contact Director, Alberta.ca at:

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