WESTLOCK — Two Westlock pharmacies will start delivering the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine the week of March 15 by appointment only.
Those who are eligible can start to book their appointments at either IDA Pidsadowski or Shoppers Drug Mart.
Neire Monteiro, associate owner at Shoppers, said they will be booking both the first and the second dose when the appointments are made. She said pharmacies are advised to deliver the vaccines within a week after they receive them.
“We are going to immunize as many people as possible,” Monteiro told the News over the phone March 5. She says she’ll try to have two staff members on immunization duty.
Appointments can be made directly with the pharmacies, and more information is available on their respective websites.
Monteiro said once pharmacies apply to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine, they are chosen based on how many flu shots they have delivered in the past.
Rollout expanded to people aged 65-74
Last week, Alberta’s Health minister Tyler Shandro announced the province will enter into Phase 2A of the vaccine rollout.
Starting March 15, people aged 65 to 74, and First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons aged 50 and older will be eligible for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Appointment bookings will start that Monday for people aged 73 and 74, and Tuesday for those aged 71 and 72. Age groups are not required to make their appointments the day they become eligible, and can schedule them after that time frame but not before.
AstraZeneca for people aged 50-64
Albertans between the age of 50 and 64 can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine that week.
"These Albertans will have a choice. They can book an appointment now for the AstraZeneca or they can wait to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine when Phase 2D begins in early May,” Shandro said.
For those aged 65 and older, the AstraZeneca shot has been less effective in trials, which is why the provincial government is offering it early to younger age groups.
“Both (Alberta chief medical officer Dr. Deena) Hinshaw and I recommend that all healthy Albertans get immunized as soon as they are eligible, no matter what vaccine option is provided. AstraZeneca works,” Shandro said.
Appointments can be made via the Alberta Health Services website.
