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Amidst the fourth wave of the Covid 19 pandemic, vaccination rates in Alberta are increasing overall, but some regions have a higher rate of active Covid cases than others.
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Lisa Glover, assistant director, Alberta Health Communication and Public Engagement, Government of Alberta, said in an email, as of October 24, 6,465,123 doses have been administered; there are 86.6 per cent of Albertans 12+ with at least one dose, and 78.9 per cent of Albertans 12+ are fully vaccinated. Out of the more than six million doses administered, there have been 1,821 adverse events following immunization.
Asked if vaccinations will be required to get on an annual basis, Glover said, “We continue to act on the best possible evidence. At this time, the evidence does not support a need for third doses for the general population. Health officials will continue to monitor all emerging evidence on vaccine effectiveness across Canada and around the world.”
Proof of vaccination is a requirement in businesses and facilities. Glover said Albertans turning 12 and older can get their vaccine records with QR codes without creating an account through alberta.ca/CovidRecords. Albertans can also request a printed version of the proof of vaccination with a QR code from a local registry agent office or by calling 811, at no cost.
Glover noted Alberta vaccine records with QR codes will be the only valid Alberta proof of vaccination accepted by operators participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program as of November 15, whether printed or displayed on a phone.
“Businesses can use the AB Covid Records Verifier app to scan your QR code,” she continued. “When scanned, it displays your name, birthdate and vaccination status. It is not connected to other personal info. Proof of vaccination from out-of-province, military or First Nations health clinics will continue to be accepted after Nov. 15.”
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She explained, “We have been working closely with the Federal government to offer Albertans a standardized proof of vaccination that facilitates international travel. Alberta, like many other provinces, issued its own provincial vaccine record with a QR code as well as an app to verify that patrons meet the Restrictions Exemptions Program requirement. This supports provincial public health measures.
Glover said provinces will retain the records of their respective residents and added, “Albertans’ data will not be shared with the federal government or with other provincial governments. The expectation is that all Canadians (including Albertans) will have access to vaccine QR codes by the end of next month for the purposes of travel within and outside of Canada. Albertans can continue to use their existing proof of vaccination according to the specific requirements for their planned travel, until the new one is available next month.” Glover didn’t confirm when next month the new proof of vaccination will be available.
Note that with public health orders in place – for example, mask-wearing – Glover said, “If you violate a public health order, you may be subject to a $2,000 fine. Additionally, you can be prosecuted for up to $100,000 for a first time offense. If you are concerned someone is not following public health orders, you can: remind them that not following orders is against the law and puts people at risk; request services from AHS public health inspectors online or call 1-833-415-9179.”
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Some federal grants and financial aid, such as CERB, have or will be expiring. Arnold Viersen, Peace River-Westlock MP, said he hasn’t heard anything about incentives available to businesses who require their employees to be vaccinated, and emphasized, “The Conservatives are opposed to mandatory vaccines and we’re opposed to anyone losing their job because they won’t get a vaccine. Vaccines are an important tool for fighting Covid, but people should not lose their jobs over it.”
About incentives to businesses who require their employees to be vaccinated, Dan Williams, UCP Peace River MLA, said “The government is not incentivizing businesses to implement workplace vaccine mandates. The government offers the same supports to businesses regardless of whether or not they decide to implement a vaccine policy for employees.
“Employers have an important role in society in (providing) employment and income for families,” he added. “I encourage employers (to) consider both public health and a family left without income when making decision on workplace vaccine mandates. Employers can visit Alberta.ca to see what supports and resources are available to them.”
Joanne McQuarrie/Postmedia Staff
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