Table of contents

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

Everyone 5+ can get vaccinated. 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.

Third doses are available to everyone 12+ and some children with underlying health conditions. Fourth doses are available to eligible seniors starting April 12.

Book with an AHS clinic or pharmacy online, call 811, or visit a walk-in clinic.

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Progress to date

As of June 27:

  • 8,899,140 doses administered
  • 90.6% of Albertans 12+ with at least 1 dose
  • 87.1% of Albertans 12+ fully vaccinated
  • 2,721 adverse events following immunization (learn about vaccine safety)

See full stats and map

Boost your protection

Vaccine effectiveness against infection declines over time – and is lower with the highly transmissible Omicron variant – but they remain the best way to prevent severe illness and death. Additional doses can boost immunity to improve protection and limit spread.

  • Third dose for 12+

    Everyone 12 and older

    • Eligibility: Everyone 12+ can book a third dose at least 5 months after second dose.
    • How to book: Book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic) or call 811. Clinics also available on reserve.
    • Vaccine: Pfizer vaccine series, Moderna vaccine series and mixed series all offer a high level of protection. People 12 to 29 are recommended to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

  • Fourth dose for seniors

    Eligible seniors can book an appointment to get a fourth dose.

    • Eligibility:
      • Everyone 70 and older
      • First Nations, Metis and Inuit people age 65 and older
      • All seniors in congregate care regardless of age
    • When to book: At least 5 months after the third dose.
    • How to book: Book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic) or call 811. Alberta Health Services will coordinate with other immunization partners so residents of seniors’ congregate living facilities can receive their fourth dose at their facilities.

  • Doses for immunocompromised individuals

    Individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions should receive 3 doses followed by a fourth dose to provide stronger protection because their immune systems respond differently to vaccines than other people without these conditions.

    Eligible immunocompromising conditions

    • Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy
    • Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (for example, DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
    • Individuals with advanced untreated HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
    • Recipients of immunosuppressive therapies (for example, anti-B cell therapies, high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents)
    • Transplant recipients, including solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants
    • Individuals with chronic kidney disease receiving regular dialysis
    • Recipients of active cancer treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies), excluding those receiving only hormonal therapy, radiation therapy or surgery
    • Individuals taking certain medications for autoimmune diseases including rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and methotrexate

    Third dose for immunocompromised 5+

    • Eligibility: Albertans 5 and older with eligible immunocompromising conditions.
    • When to book: Recommended to wait 28 days between the first and second dose, and 8 weeks between the second and third dose.
    • How to book: Call 811 or book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic).

    Fourth dose for immunocompromised 12+

    • Eligibility: Albertans 12 and older with eligible immunocompromising conditions.
    • When to book: Must wait at least 5 months after third dose.
    • How to book: Call 811 or book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic).

  • Additional doses for travellers

    International travellers

    • Eligibility:
      • Travellers to jurisdictions where an additional dose is required to meet international travel rules, however, these doses are not currently clinically recommended.
      • It is up to the traveller to know the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for their destination.
      • Additional doses must be spaced at least 28 days after the previous dose.
    • How to book: Call 811 or a participating pharmacy.

  • Doses for those vaccinated outside Alberta

    • Anyone who was initially vaccinated outside Alberta can receive additional doses here when they are eligible.
    • Bring the original written record of your dose(s) with you to the appointment.
    • Call Health Link at 811 if you have any further questions.

  • If you recently had COVID-19

    • “Natural immunity” or immunity for people who have had COVID-19 may not last long. Getting all vaccine doses is still recommended.
    • It is recommended to wait 8 weeks after infection before getting your first or second dose.
    • It is recommended to wait 3 months after infection before getting a third dose.
    • If you got a dose sooner than the recommended wait time, you don’t need to worry. This recommendation is general guidance that balances a broad range of individual situations. Talk to your healthcare professional about what is right for you and your family.

Vaccines for children

Connecting parents to expert advice and helpful resources on vaccines for children.

Second doses

  • Second dose for mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) recipients

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

    The Novavax vaccine may be offered to individuals age 18 years and older who have a contraindication to or decline an mRNA vaccine.

    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 8 weeks after your first dose.

    How to book

  • Second dose for AstraZeneca recipients

    If you got AstraZeneca for your first dose, you can choose either the Novavax vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/Moderna) for your second dose. AstraZeneca is no longer available.

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

    When to book

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

    How to book

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

  • Second dose for Novavax recipients

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

    All options will provide additional protection and count as completing your immunization in Canada.

    When to book

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

    How to book

After your vaccine

  • Get your vaccine record

    Vaccine record with QR code

    • Albertans can get their vaccine record with QR code at alberta.ca/CovidRecords.
      • It's fast and easy – no account required. Enter your personal healthcare number, birthdate, and month and year of vaccination.
      • Download your card and print out, or save on your phone.
      • If you were vaccinated recently, it may take up to 2 weeks for your records to be available online.
    • For help accessing or printing a vaccine record:
      • go to alberta.ca/CovidRecordsHelp if you need technical assistance
      • connect with community organizations that offer printing such as libraries and senior centres
      • call 811 to have your record mailed to you

  • Travel vaccine requirements

    Learn how to get your vaccine records with a QR code.

    International travel

    • 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.
    • Upon return to Canada, quarantine and testing requirements may be reduced for fully immunized travellers who meet specific conditions.

    United States travel

    • 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 private sector events, such as shows and concerts, may have different rules.
    • For more information, visit the CDC website.

    Canada travel

    • Travellers to Canada are required to show proof of full vaccination at the border to be considered for exemption from quarantine and testing requirements.
    • In Canada, individuals that have had 2 doses of an approved vaccine (or at least 1 dose of the Janssen vaccine) are considered fully vaccinated, even if each dose is a different type. The AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD vaccines are recognized as the same product.
    • For more information and instructions, visit the Government of Canada website.

    Alberta travel

    • Alberta does not require proof of vaccination from visitors arriving from another part of Canada.

Vaccine facts

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

Get the facts

Need help booking your appointment?

See guides for registering an account, booking appointment and common topics.

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 Af-Soomaali, Español, Français, Tagalog, Tiếng Việt, عربي, 中文, हिंदी, 한국어, فارسی, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, اردو.

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.

  • Novavax vaccine (limited quantities available)

    Novavax has been proven effective in preventing serious illness and death in adults from COVID-19 infection.

    Who should get it

    • A complete series and a booster dose with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is preferentially recommended.
    • Novavax vaccine may be offered to individuals age 18 years and older who have a contraindication to or decline an mRNA vaccine.
    • Due to limited quantities, call 811 to book an appointment at select locations across Alberta.

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Not currently authorized for people under 18.

    How it works

    • Protein subunit vaccines use purified COVID-19 spike proteins to stimulate 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.

  • Janssen vaccine (limited quantities available)

    The Janssen vaccine has been proven effective in preventing serious illness and death in adults from COVID-19 infection. It is currently offered as a single-dose vaccine. A booster dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended after 5 months.

    Who should get it

    • Eligible Albertans age 18 years and older. It is available to those who have a contraindication to, or refuse, an mRNA vaccine.
    • Due to limited quantities, call 811 to book an appointment at select locations across Alberta.

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Not currently authorized for people under 18.

    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.
    • Some rare reactions that have been reported and confirmed after taking Janssen vaccine are:
      • Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports the risk of TTS following immunization with the Janssen vaccine to be about 3.1 per million doses administered.
      • Capillary leak syndrome
      • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

  • Moderna and Pfizer vaccines

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

    Who should get it

    • Pfizer BioNTech is approved for people 5 and older.
    • Moderna is approved for people 6 and over but recommended for people 30 and over. People 6 to 29 are recommended to get the Pfizer vaccine as the rare risk of myocarditis is even lower.
    • Children under 12 receive the pediatric version or dose of the vaccines.

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Consult your doctor if you have questions about your health conditions.

    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. Investigations are ongoing. These are cases are rare, treatable, and typically mild.
      • As of April 18, 2022, there have been 108 reported cases of myocarditis in Alberta out of more than 8.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered.
      • 71 cases are associated with the Pfizer vaccine and 37 cases are associated with the Moderna vaccine. Current evidence suggests a likely causal association between myocarditis and the mRNA vaccines.
      • Learn more about myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines (PDF, 444 KB)

  • AstraZeneca (COVISHIELD) vaccine (no longer available in Alberta)

    The AstraZeneca (COVISHIELD) vaccine is proven 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.

    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.
         

  • What's the difference?

    All 5 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:

    • The AstraZeneca and Janssen 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.
    • Moderna and Pfizer use 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.
    • The Novavax vaccine uses purified COVID-19 spike proteins to stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies that will protect you against COVID-19.

    After your vaccine, it’s normal to have some minor side effects like fever or aches that go away on their own after a few days. As with all medicines, there's also a small chance that there will be a serious side effect like an allergic reaction, so it is important to stay for monitoring at the place you get your vaccine for 15 minutes after being vaccinated. Some very rare reactions after COVID-19 vaccines include:

  • Vaccine effectiveness against Omicron

    • Current evidence indicates that vaccine protection against the Omicron variant of concern is generally lower than it was against previous variants of concern, although protection against severe outcomes remains strong.
    • Vaccine protection decreases over time, but still protects against severe outcomes and to a lesser extent against infection.
    • Since vaccines continue to prevent infection to some extent, the chances of transmitting infection to others is reduced.
    • Protection is greatly improved with a booster dose.
    Vaccine Infection Hospitalization
    AstraZeneca 11% effective at preventing infection at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    Two doses followed by an mRNA booster are almost 60% effective at preventing infection at least one week after the mRNA booster dose.

    		 Almost 60% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    Two doses followed by an mRNA booster are almost 98% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the mRNA booster dose.
    Janssen Vaccine effectiveness estimates for one dose against Omicron are not available.

    One dose followed by an mRNA dose are 48% effective at protecting against infection at least one week after the mRNA dose.

    		 Vaccine effectiveness estimates for one dose against hospitalization due to Omicron are not available.
    Moderna 48% effective at protecting against infection at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    72% effective at protecting against infection at least 2 weeks after the 3rd dose.

    		 85% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    99% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the 3rd dose.
    Pfizer BioNTech 12+ 55% effective at protecting against infection at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    59% effective at protecting against infection at least 2 weeks after the 3rd dose.

    		 75% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose.

    92% effective at preventing hospitalization at least 2 weeks after the 3rd dose.
    Pfizer BioNTech 5 to 11 Two doses are 47% effective at preventing Omicron infection. Two doses are 74% effective at preventing hospitalization due to Delta or Omicron.

    Duration of protection

    Studies regarding how long vaccines offer protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19 are ongoing and current evidence shows COVID-19 vaccines offer effective protection for at least 6 months.

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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