Table of contents

COVID-19 vaccine update

It is anticipated that the updated XBB COVID-19 vaccine formulations will be available in the coming weeks. Individuals should consider delaying their COVID-19 booster dose until the vaccine becomes available.

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

COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect you from getting severely sick from COVID-19 infection. All vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.

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

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Vaccination data

COVID-19 data reporting will shift to a monthly update for the summer.

As of July 22:

  • 10,077,398 doses administered
  • 89.8% of Albertans 12+ with at least 1 dose
  • 86.4% of Albertans 12+ with at least 2 doses
  • 2,877 adverse events following immunization (learn about vaccine safety)

See full stats and map

Boost your protection

Booster doses are doses of a COVID-19 vaccine received after the primary series.

Booster doses help maintain your level of protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19 as immunity decreases over time.

On September 21, 2022, Alberta launched the COVID-19 bivalent booster program. Bivalent booster doses are available for eligible Albertans 5 years and older.

  • Bivalent booster for children 5 to 11

    • Eligibility: Children 5 to 11 years of age who:
      • completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and have not yet received a Pfizer-BioNTech original (monovalent) vaccine booster dose
      • previously received a Pfizer-BioNTech original (monovalent) vaccine booster dose and have one of the following underlying medical conditions:
        • immunocompromising conditions requiring an additional primary series COVID-19 vaccine dose listed in the "Doses for immunocompromised individuals" section below
        • cancer
        • chronic heart disease and vascular disease
        • chronic kidney disease
        • chronic liver disease
        • chronic lung disease
        • chronic neurological disease
        • diabetes mellitus
        • immunosuppression
        • mental health disorders
        • obesity
        • learning disabilities or developmental delay including Down Syndrome
        • solid organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients
    • When to book:
      • At least 6 months since the last dose or most recent COVID-19 infection.
      • A longer interval leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer.
    • How to book: Book online (AHS clinic) or call Health Link at 811. Clinics are also available in many First Nations communities.
    • Vaccine information:
      • The bivalent booster triggers a stronger immune response and provides additional protection against the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain as well as Omicron BA.4/BA.5
      • The bivalent booster dose can be offered to children 5 to 11 years of age who received any mRNA original vaccine as their primary series.

  • Bivalent booster for 12+

    • Eligibility: People 12 years and older who completed a primary series, including a mix of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) and/or non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Novavax, Janssen or AstraZeneca) and have not received a bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster dose since September 21, 2022.
      • Most Albertans who received a bivalent booster dose on or after September 21, 2022, are considered up to date and another booster dose is not recommended at this time.
        • Select groups of Albertans 18+ at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection are eligible to receive an additional bivalent booster dose.
        • Check the "Additional bivalent booster for select groups 18+" section below to see if you are eligible to receive an additional bivalent booster dose.
      • If you received an original (monovalent) mRNA vaccine or a non-mRNA vaccine as your booster dose, you are eligible for a one-time bivalent booster dose following the recommended dose interval.
        • If you choose not to get this bivalent booster dose, you cannot get an additional booster dose of another vaccine.
    • When to book:
      • At least 6 months since the last dose or most recent COVID-19 infection.
      • A longer interval leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer.
    • How to book: Pharmacy is recommended.
      • Book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic).
      • Find a pharmacy near you.
      • Call Health Link at 811.
      • Clinics are available in First Nations communities.
      • Some community medical clinics also offer COVID-19 vaccines and can be contacted directly.
    • Vaccine information:
      • The bivalent vaccines authorized for use in Canada include the Moderna bivalent and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines.
      • The bivalent vaccines trigger a stronger immune response and provide additional protection against both Omicron and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain.

  • Additional bivalent booster for select groups 18+

    • Eligibility: People at higher risk of severe outcomes who received a bivalent booster dose on or after September 21, 2022, including:
      • Albertans 65 years and older
      • Residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate care living settings who are 18 years and older
      • Adults 18 years and older with the following 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
    • When to book:
      • At least 6 months since the last dose or most recent COVID-19 infection. A longer interval leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer.
      • A shortened interval of at least 3 calendar months between the previous bivalent booster dose (or infection) and the additional bivalent booster dose will be permitted for residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate care living settings to administer the additional dose to as many people as possible in a timely manner. A shortened interval is not permitted for the other eligible groups.
      • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients and CAR T-cell therapy recipients are recommended to consult with their physician regarding COVID-19 vaccine spacing.
    • How to book: Pharmacy is recommended.
      • Book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic).
      • Find a pharmacy near you.
      • Call Health Link at 811.
      • Clinics are available in First Nations communities.
      • Some community medical clinics also offer COVID-19 vaccines and can be contacted directly.

  • Novavax vaccine booster for 12+ (currently not available)

    • Eligibility: People 12 years and older who received a primary series of any authorized COVID-19 vaccine and who cannot receive or refuse a bivalent vaccine booster dose.
      • If you received a Novavax booster dose on or after September 21, 2022, you are eligible for a one-time bivalent booster dose. If you choose not to get this bivalent booster dose, you cannot get an additional booster dose of another vaccine.
    • When to book:
      • At least 6 months since the last dose or most recent COVID-19 infection.
      • A longer interval leads to a better immune response against COVID-19 infection that is expected to last longer.
    • How to book: Call Health Link at 811.

  • Considerations for immunocompromised individuals

    • Individuals 18 years and older with eligible immunocompromising conditions may receive an additional bivalent booster dose at least 6 months since the last dose or most recent COVID-19 infection.
    • Children 5 to 11 years of age with eligible immunocompromising conditions may receive one bivalent booster, even if they previously received an mRNA original (monovalent) booster dose.

    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

  • Doses for those vaccinated outside Alberta

    • Anyone who was initially vaccinated outside Alberta can be assessed for eligibility and receive additional doses as needed.
    • 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.

Primary series

A primary series is the initial number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine you need to develop an adequate initial immune response.

Most people need 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) or Novavax (currently not available) to complete their primary series.

The Moderna BA.4/5 bivalent and Pfizer-BioNTech BA.4/5 bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for primary series doses for everyone 6 months+. Original (monovalent) mRNA vaccines are no longer available.

  • Primary series for children 6 months to 4 years

    • How to book: Moderna bivalent vaccine only - call Health Link at 811.
      • Parents of children 6 months to 4 years of age who live in First Nations communities can call the health centre in their community to book an appointment.

  • Primary series for children 5 to 11 years

    • How to book:
      • Pfizer-BioNTech: Book online (AHS clinic) or call Health Link at 811. Clinics are also available in First Nations communities.
      • Moderna: Available to immunocompromised children through AHS by appointment only - call Health Link at 811.
        • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations support the Moderna bivalent vaccine for immunocompromised children 5 to 11 years of age.

  • Primary series for 12+

    • How to book: 
      • Pfizer-BioNTech: Pharmacy is recommended
        • Book online (pharmacy or AHS clinic).
        • Find a pharmacy near you.
        • Call Health Link at 811.
        • Clinics are available in First Nations communities.
        • Some community medical clinics also offer COVID-19 vaccines and can be contacted directly.
      • Moderna: Available to immunocompromised individuals through AHS by appointment only - call Health Link at 811.
        • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommendations support the Moderna vaccine for immunocompromised individuals 12 years and older, however the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is still preferentially recommended for people 12 to 29 years of age.

  • Primary series for immunocompromised individuals

    All individuals with eligible immunocompromising conditions should receive an additional dose as part of their primary series for better protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19. This additional dose is different than a booster dose.

    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

Vaccines for children

COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time, before or after influenza vaccine and other routine immunizations to individuals 6 months of age or older.

Minors under the age of 18 require verbal or written consent from a parent or guardian to be vaccinated.

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 received your vaccine 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 Health Link at 811 to have your record mailed to you

  • Travel vaccine requirements

    • Effective October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 border measures including proof of vaccination, testing, quarantine, isolation and use of the ArriveCAN app.
    • Other jurisdictions may continue to have travel restrictions. Travellers should check to see if travel measures are in effect for their destination.
    • Proof of vaccination is no longer required to travel on planes or trains in Canada.
    • Learn how to get your vaccine records with a QR code.

About the vaccines

All approved vaccines are safe, effective and continue to play a role in preventing COVID-19 infection and limiting its spread. More importantly, these vaccines help prevent serious illness from COVID-19 infection. You're encouraged to review current evidence to make an informed decision about your health.

COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time, before or after the influenza vaccine and other routine immunizations to individuals 6 months of age or older.

  • mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

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

    Who should get the mRNA vaccines

    • The bivalent mRNA vaccines are available as primary series for individuals 6 months and older and as booster doses to eligible individuals 5 years and older.
      The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) preferentially recommends that individuals 12 to 29 years of age get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as the rare risk of myocarditis is lower when compared to the Moderna vaccine.

    Who shouldn't get the mRNA vaccines

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

    How mRNA vaccines work

    • The vaccines use 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 July 26, 2023, there have been 112 reported cases of myocarditis in Alberta out of more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered.
      • Current evidence suggests a likely causal association between myocarditis and the mRNA vaccines.
      • Learn more: Myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines (PDF, 444 KB)

  • Novavax vaccine (currently not available)

    The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine (non-mRNA vaccine) proven effective in preventing serious illness and death in adults from COVID-19 infection.

    • A complete primary series with an mRNA vaccine is preferentially recommended.

    Who should get it

    • Novavax is a non-mRNA vaccine authorized for use for individuals aged 12 years and older who cannot receive or refuse an mRNA vaccine.
    • Due to limited quantities, call Health Link at 811 to book an appointment at select locations across Alberta.

    Who shouldn't get it

    • Not currently authorized for people under 12 years of age.

    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.

  • What's the difference?

    All 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 Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines 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

    Learn more about vaccine effectiveness against Omicron.

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.

Additional information

Vaccine info

Info for Albertans

Info for vaccinators​

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