BANFF – A glitch in the online COVID-19 vaccination booking system for Banff residents has been fixed.
A spokesperson for Alberta Health Services (AHS) said a problem – which involved online information indicating there were no available vaccination appointments when residents entered a Banff postal code – was resolved on Wednesday (March 24).
“All Banff residents should now be able to make immunization appointments using the AHS online booking tool, or by calling Health Link at 811,” said Kerry Williamson with AHS’s communication department.
Gourlay’s Pharmacy in Banff has been given AHS approval to offer vaccinations. The IGA and Rexall pharmacies, and Alpine Medical Clinic, have applied to be able to give vaccinations, too.
Alberta has now administered more than 512,248 doses of vaccine in the province as of March 24.
Anyone in Phase 2A is now able to book vaccines. This means if you were born in 1956 or earlier, you can book your appointment. If you are a First Nations, Métis or Inuit individual born in 1971 or earlier, you can also book your appointment.
“I continue encouraging everyone to get their dose as soon as they are eligible,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, during her March 24 briefing.
“There is enough vaccine for all those in Alberta eligible for immunization in Phase 2A to get their first dose in the next two weeks.”
Pharmacies – though not all pharmacies due to a lack of vaccine delivery – and Alberta Health Services have spots available now.
“If you have already booked an appointment, but it is scheduled for April or later, please consider calling other pharmacies near you or Alberta Health Services,” Hinshaw said. “There will be an appointment available much sooner.”
As of March 24, 692 new cases were reported over the previous 24 hours, bringing the province-wide COVID-19 active case count to 6,534.
There were 285 people in hospital, including 53 in intensive care. The provincial death toll from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic is 1,973 people.
In Banff, there were eight active cases as of March 24. In neighbouring Canmore, there are 11 active cases and in the MD of Bighorn there are 13 active cases, which includes portions of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
Mandatory public health measures continue to be in effect province-wide, including no indoor social gatherings, mask requirements, and some business closures and capacity reductions.
Hinshaw said there is no one single factor or activity driving the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
“We have seen indoor social gatherings, outbreaks and people working while symptomatic all play a role – along with many other factors,” she said.
“The growth we are seeing is the result of the little moments in many different settings when we come in close contact with other people and give the virus opportunities to transmit.”
Hinshaw said this has always been one of the biggest challenges with COVID-19, and variants make it even more difficult.
“It is why we must all be extra vigilant in following the health measures in place, even when we don’t feel like it,” she said.
“It’s why simple steps like staying home and getting tested if you feel even a little bit sick, and keeping distanced and masked still matter,” she added.
“In many ways, they matter more than ever because we are getting so close to the end of this pandemic, thanks to vaccines.”
