COVID-19 BACK TO SCHOOL BULLETIN

With children going back to school, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw emphasizes that protecting against vaccine-preventable diseases is more important than ever.

Below are a few important actions you can take in preparation for back to school.

IMPORTANT ACTIONS

Ask patients about their vaccine history and encourage them to access every available layer of protection. Patients can access their own vaccination records at MyHealth Records.
Review the Alberta Immunization Schedule for an overview of vaccine availability and timing for adults and children.
Stay up-to-date on your vaccines and consider talking to your staff about doing so as well.
Review the Patient Immunization FAQ page or the Vaccine Hesitancy Guide with your hesitant patients.

VACCINATION UPDATES

BOOSTER DOSE (5-11 YEARS)

As announced by Alberta Health, effective August 31, Alberta will offer a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children (5-11 years), at least five months after last dose, or five months after a COVID-19 infection.

This Pediatric Booster is Recommended for:

Individuals (5 to 11 years) with underlying medical conditions placing them at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, including those in certain immunocompromising conditions who have received a three-dose primary series (strong recommendation).
All other children (5 to 11 years) who do not have underlying medical conditions that could place them at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 (discretionary recommendation).

Booster dose appointments can be booked through the vaccine booking system, Health Link (811), at participating pharmacies, or a participating physicians’ offices. Children can be registered online in advance of appointment availability.

READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

VACCINATION (6 MO-5 YEARS)

As of August 2, children six months to five years of age are eligible for Moderna Spikevax (25 mcg) COVID-19 vaccine. AHS sites are now accepting appointments and administering vaccines for this new age group. Book online or via 811.

REVIEW THIS UPDATE

COVID-19 SNAPSHOT

WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE

Wastewater surveillance can provide early indications of community infection trends.

Comparing weekly averages, six sites (Medicine Hat, Brooks, High River, Red Deer, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray) increased by over 25% compared to the weekly average two weeks ago. Frequency of reporting updates varies by sampling site.

ALL COVID-19 ALBERTA STATISTICS