Public Health Vaccines

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Alberta’s community pharmacists continue to play a vital role in protecting Albertans against COVID-19 disease through vaccination. Since March 2021, Alberta pharmacists have administered over 6.3 million doses of vaccine, quickly becoming the province’s number one provider of COVID-19 vaccinations.

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dTap (Diptheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis)

With a rise in the number of nationally reported pertussis cases, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends vaccination during pregnancy to protect newborn infants from severe outcomes. Since 2016, Alberta pharmacists have had access to this public health vaccine, helping to protect mothers and their newborns.

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Influenza

Every fall, Alberta’s more than 6,000 pharmacists help their patients protect themselves against influenza by participating in Alberta’s Influenza Immunization Program. Alberta pharmacists are the single largest provider of influenza vaccine in the province each year.

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Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Alberta’s community pharmacists are able to protect eligible individuals through vaccination against pneumococcal disease.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults and other individuals at increased risk. Alberta’s publicly funded RSV immunization program provides vaccine to eligible Albertans, including through participating community pharmacies.

RxA provides pharmacists with information and resources to support the delivery of publicly funded RSV vaccine and help patients understand vaccine eligibility and access.

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Other Public Health Vaccines

In Alberta there are many other public health vaccines funded by the Alberta Government that are not currently accessible to community pharmacists.  These resources will help you respond to patient questions and help you direct them to find the care they need.