Walk-in COVID-19 immunization clinics for 12 to 17 year olds now open in Calgary
The province is making it easier for younger Calgarians to get a COVID-19 vaccine, in an effort to increase immunization rates.
Two walk-in clinics opened Wednesday, at the Telus Convention Centre and Genesis Centre sites for the eligible population ages 12 to 17, and no appointment is needed.
“We know that summer was always going to be a slower time for vaccines as people are going to be doing other things but we will continue to push as much as we can to get those numbers up,” said Alberta health minister Tylers Shandro.
Youth born in 2004 to 2009 are eligible to receive their first dose of Pfizer followed by a second dose at least 28 days later.
According to Alberta Health, 74.8 per cent of eligible Albertans 12 and older have received one dose, as of July 19.
And 60.2 per cent of Albertans age 12 and older are fully vaccinated.
The second dose rate for the youngest eligible Albertans is behind other age groups.
Currently, 62 per cent of 12 to 14 year olds have their first dose, and 39.7 per cent have received their second dose.
A total of 65 per cent of 15 to 19 year olds have one shot and 44.4 per cent of that age group is fully vaccinated.
“We do know that we’re never going to get to 100 per cent. We know from our seasonal flue campaigns that we are doing better than we do typically with vaccinations in Alberta, we’re doing better than other countries are doing,” said Shandro.
Shandro says the province will continue to announce innovative ways to increase first and second doses.
He adds there is obvious vaccine hesitancy but public health officials want to target those who are undecided.
“It’s the folks in the grey area that haven’t had first or second doses yet that I think we can reach out to," he said.
Shandro says the province was focused on speed and volume but now want to make sure that access isn’t an issue for anyone and to educate the public on the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The walk-in clinics are open from July 21 to July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The province says those attending the clinics are asked to bring parental consent, which can be downloaded from the Alberta Health Services (AHS) website
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.