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Phase 2B of Alberta vaccine rollout begins, Cochrane pharmacies waiting for doses

“It is such a positive thing. It is so rewarding vaccinating the public,” Holowaty said. “It’s a step toward getting us back to some type of normalcy.”
moderna vaccine
Cochrane pharmacies are awaiting additional deliveries of the Moderna vaccine. File Photo

COCHRANE— The provincial government announced Phase 2B of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout would begin on Tuesday (March 30), but it remains unclear when rural pharmacies will be able to provide doses.

Starting Tuesday Albertans born in 1957 to 1963 will be able to book vaccines in participating pharmacies in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer. Additional pharmacies are expected to be added in the coming weeks.

On April 5 Albertans born between 1957 to 1959 can book vaccinations through Alberta Health Services online or through 811.

Appointments are based on the available vaccine supply in the province and additional opportunities will be provided as more doses become available in Alberta. 

Two Pharmacy began distributing the Moderna vaccines the week of March 15 and began providing doses to the public on March 17, said operations manager Reid Kimmett. They were able to see patients for three days before using up the entire vaccine supply provided by Alberta Health.

Initially, they were distributing 300 doses a week based on guidance from the government, said pharmacist Jodi Makkreel. 

“Now we’re waiting on when that next shipment will be which is uncertain at this time,” Kimmett said. “We thought we were being conservative in that we only booked for two weeks.”

Two Pharmacy had to cancel more than 300 appointments when they did not receive an expected delivery of additional vaccines.

They did not expect to run out of doses, Kimmett said, and for now, are recommending those who qualify to seek vaccines where they are currently available.

The next allocation for the pharmacy is 200 doses but a date has not been specified for when it will arrive. 

Two Pharmacy has been working with affected patients to help them try and find an immunization clinic providing COVID-19 vaccines.

Those looking to stay in Cochrane for their vaccine can sign up for a contact list and Two Pharmacy will notify them when vaccines are once again available.

Kimmett said it has been heartening to see people eager to sign-up for the vaccine. The current contact list for Two Pharmacy had more than 2,400 people sign up.

Moving forward when the pharmacy receives a shipment vaccine bookings will be made on a week-to-week basis.

“The demand is so high, it’s great everyone wants a vaccine,” Kimmett said.

People who have come out to learn about the vaccine or receive a vaccine are eager to do so. 

Those who had the opportunity to visit the clinic were excited to receive their first dose of the vaccine, Makkreel said. 

“It’s very exciting because it’s hopefully an end to some of this,” Makkreel said. “It’s an easy vaccination to get. It’s usually pretty painless.”

She compared it to getting the flu shot and those who have received the vaccine reported mild to no side effects.

All pharmacies outside of Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton are in a similar boat because they have all been affected by the Moderna shipment delay.

“I encourage Albertans to be patient, but be ready when it’s your turn,” Kimmett said.

Pharmist and owner of Shopper Drug Mart Leithe Holowaty said the stores pharmacy received their initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine the week of March 15. 

They were able to vaccinate up until Friday (March 19) providing more than 400 doses of the vaccine to patients. Those who visited the pharmacy were excited and for the most part, saw the vaccines as a way to change the situation the community has faced during the pandemic.

“It’s a big deal, it’s life-changing,” Holowaty said.

It is unclear when rural pharmacies will become a part of Phase 2B of the provincial rollout as additional vaccine shipments will be needed.

While they are unable to provide additional doses until a new shipment arrives, Holowaty said, a focus at the pharmacy has been answering any questions people may have about the vaccine.

“They are wondering whether they qualify and are eligible and whether we know where they can get it,” Holowaty said. “It’s bringing more people to us asking for direction and guidance.”

The people who have spoken to have indicated they would prefer to stay in Cochrane to receive the vaccine and the pharmacists are looking forward to the day they will be able to provide doses at the pharmacy.

“These are our patients too and with the previous cohorts it was a lot of seniors and elders and it's just not feasible for a lot of them to go into the city,” Holowaty said. “I’ve had a number of people check in several days inquiring [about the vaccine] … They’re not interested in going into the city.”

When vaccinations are available patients will be able to book appointments, this is being done to limit groups of people lining up in the store.

Shoppers Drug Mart will be launching a new system Friday (April 2) that allows patients to register for vaccines. The system will allow patients to sign up to receive emails when a location of their choice is taking immunization appointments.

Due to the delay in vaccine shipments Shoppers Drug Mart was forced to cancel appointments, but they are working to ensure these patients have been able to receive a dose in the city or look after them when the next vaccine shipment arrives in Cochrane.

“It is such a positive thing. It is so rewarding vaccinating the public,” Holowaty said. “It’s a step toward getting us back to some type of normalcy.”

 
 
 
 
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