As the cold and flu season approaches, Albertans will soon be able to book their annual respiratory virus immunizations. The provincial program offers immunizations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 for eligible Albertans. The COVID-19 immunization will be available free of charge for eligible Albertans 12 and older at public health clinics and participating community pharmacies, including: Other Albertans 12 and older who wish to receive the COVID-19 shot will be able to purchase it for $100 through participating pharmacies. Children aged six months to 11 years old will have to pay too, unless they have an underlying medical condition. Bookings will be available online, through Health Link at 811, or through local pharmacies starting Oct. 5. Year-round RSV immunization already available to eligible seniors, older adults living in continuing care and supportive living, and eligible First Nations, Métis and Inuit Albertans, will be expanded to include vulnerable adults aged 18 to 69 with certain specific medical conditions such as transplant recipients, those receiving dialysis and individuals requiring chronic oxygen therapy starting Oct. 1. A RSV monoclonal antibody product will be available to all infants born in hospital from November through April. Families will be offered the antibody shortly after birth before babies leave the hospital. “The expanded adult RSV program, as well as the infant program, provides protection for Albertans at risk of severe RSV disease,” said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “Providing RSV antibodies to newborns during the respiratory season is expected to reduce severe illness, emergency department visits, and RSV-related hospitalizations in infants.”
