Spring COVID-19 vaccine doses expected for some vulnerable Albertans

Preparations are underway for a limited spring COVID-19 vaccination program in Alberta.

Pharmacists say certain groups of high-risk Albertans will be eligible for a biannual dose of the KP.2 vaccine, starting April 28.

Eligible groups include seniors (aged 65 and older), all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people six months of age and older, immunocompromised Albertans six months and up, and adults living in care homes, according to Alberta's updated immunization policy.

"The spring campaign for COVID vaccine is kind of going back to [being] a bit more targeted," said Calgary pharmacist Mathieu Giroux.

"So it's not open for everyone."

In addition to vulnerable groups, all other Albertans who have not received a shot since October 1, 2024 will also be eligible for a KP.2 dose, an Alberta Blue Cross bulletin states. Albertans who have received a dose since October, and are not deemed high-risk, are not expected to be eligible for another dose.

An outreach immunization program for people living in congregate care homes is also set to begin on April 28.

For its part, Alberta Health did not answer questions about its plans.

"The Ministry of Health is currently working with [Alberta Health Services] to finalize the spring 2025 COVID-19 immunization program," a spokesperson said in an email.

"We will have more information to share in the coming weeks."

Older Albertans

Giroux expects most demand among his patients at Cambrian Pharmacy will come from those above the age of 70.

"In the last two seasons, it seems like it's the same population that strongly believe that all of the booster doses are good for them – for their immunity," he said.

"I think the message has been really hammered pretty good in those age groups, when they see their doctor or have any hospital visits."

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Alberta's COVID-19 immunization rates have dropped this season. Since the launch of the latest COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the fall, 13.5 per cent of all Albertans have received a shot, down from 17 per cent in 2023-24.

Older age groups tend to have higher vaccination rates. So far this season, 41.4 per cent of seniors in the province have been vaccinated.

Heba ElBayoumi has seen demand wane at her Calgary pharmacy.

"I think it's important that those vulnerable groups of patients have access to the biannual vaccine dose," said ElBayoumi, the owner of Heathers Pharmacy.

"I haven't had that much demand, hence I did always have stock in my fridge. But now I will be restricted to only offer it to eligible Albertans."

She's worried about travellers who may want another dose, but don't fall into high-risk categories.

"I have enough vaccine on hand. I believe we should be able to offer the vaccine to whomever wants to get a booster dose," said ElBayoumi.

The Moderna KP.2 vaccine and the Pfizer KP.2 vaccine will be used for the spring immunization program, the province's immunization policy says.

Timing for eligible children will be important, Giroux noted. The Pfizer formulation can be given to children aged 12 and up. But Alberta's Immunization guide says the Moderna vaccine, for use in anyone six months of age and older, expires on June 17, 2025.

"As a result, eligible children six months to 11 years will need to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine prior to June 17, 2025," the Alberta Blue Cross bulletin states.