The government of Alberta has rolled out Phase 2 of its COVID-19 vaccination plans they hope to see 1.8 million people get a jab before spring..Premier Jason Kenney said at a press conference it’s hoped people aged 50 to 74 with underlying medical conditions, First Nations and Metis people over 35 and other residents of staff of nursing homes will be vaccinated..It’s expected to start in April..“Alberta’s vaccine roll-out has always prioritized people who are most at risk from COVID-19 and Phase 2 is no different,” said Kenney..“We have listened to advice from public health experts and our Vaccine Task Force to identify those at-risk Albertans. .“By the time Phase 2 is complete, 1.79 million more Albertans will have received COVID-19 vaccination, and we will be able to move onto vaccinating the general public. .“Our province is ready to get vaccines into the arms of Albertans as quickly as possible. However, this relies on Alberta getting the right supply of vaccines from Ottawa, on time. We need the federal government to end the delays so we can get the job done.”.Kenney said Phase 2 will be done in stages:.Group A includes:Albertans aged 65 to 74, no matter where they live.First Nations and Métis people aged 50 to 64, on and off reserve or Metis Settlements.Staff of licensed supportive living facilities not included in Phase 1.Group B includes:Albertans aged 18 to 64 with high-risk underlying health conditions. Additional information on specific conditions will be provided prior to Phase 2 rollout.Group C includes:Residents and staff of eligible congregate living settings. This includes correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and group homes, including disability, mental health and other types of licensed supportive living.Health-care workers providing direct and acute patient care who have a high potential for spread to high-risk individuals.Caregivers of Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes.Group D includes:Albertans aged 50 to 64, no matter where they live.First Nations and Métis people aged 35 to 49 on and off reserve or Metis Settlements..“Alberta’s vaccine delivery program is among the best and will continue to ramp-up as we get more supply,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro..“The more vaccine that arrives in Alberta, the faster we can get to Phase 2 and begin immunizing many, many more Albertans. The pandemic is not over, but we are steadily building our defences against it.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
