Updates for the U of A community, week ending March 5

Posted: March 5, 2:00 p.m.

Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is expanding starting March 10

This week, the Government of Alberta made a number of significant updates to its COVID-19 vaccine program. Starting March 10, anyone in Alberta who books a first dose of vaccine will now receive their second dose in up to four months, rather than at the three-week mark. The new 16-week timeline for second doses brings Alberta in line with other jurisdictions after a recommendation from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

As a result, Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Deena Hinshaw now anticipates that by the end of June all Albertans who want to be vaccinated will receive a first dose, and will be protected with two doses by fall. Also starting March 10 in Alberta, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be available to Albertans aged 50 to 64, who are currently in Phase 2D. Those in Phases 2B and 2C are ineligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine due to age, chronic health conditions or living arrangements.

Please see Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine program website for the most current information on vaccine availability and rollout in Alberta. Scroll to the bottom of that webpage and sign up to be notified directly when it's your turn to be vaccinated, when each group is announced, and if timelines change.

I’m eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, can I get vaccinated on campus? Not yet. See this Alberta Blue Cross webpage to learn more about where to book a vaccine appointment and currently participating pharmacies. We’ll let the community know as soon as COVID-19 vaccines are available at the University Health Centre and University Health Centre Pharmacy.

The U of A continues to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on our community. We will share information with the U of A community here as it becomes available.

Cameron Library opens March 29 for pre-booked individual study

Starting Monday, March 29, Cameron Library, first floor and basement, will be open for individual study. Access will be by OneCard swipe and advance bookings are required. Also, a reminder that U of A researchers, students, and staff can request and borrow items from some Library collections through Curbside Pickup. And, the U of A Library’s online collections are always available. Visit Library Services During Covid-19 to pre-book your Cameron seat or for more info.

Low intensity fitness opens on North and South campus Monday

Starting Monday, March 8, the University of Alberta’s sport and recreation facilities will open for low intensity in-person individual and group fitness opportunities, such as tennis, climbing, aquatics, group exercise, dance, martial arts and leisure activities. Regular virtual fitness programming also continues to be available. Please visit Campus and Community Recreation for the most up-to-date information.

Virtual or in-person appointments are available at the University Health Centre

During the pandemic the University Health Centre (UHC) is still open to help you with your health care needs. In-person visits can be booked for medical reasons that require a medical examination, and other care is provided virtually (e.g., phone and/or video). See the University Health Centre’s website for more details, or call 780-492-2612.

A reminder that University Health Centre Pharmacy is open for in-person visits too. For more details visit their website or call 780-492-2634.

General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca

COVID-19 Rapid Response support for on-campus supervisors, instructors and activity coordinators: U of A Rapid Response Triage Team, phrt.triage@ualberta.ca