It may seem like the COVID-19 pandemic is over and the majority of health restrictions have been dropped over the last several months. 

However, that doesn’t mean the risk is over and CUPS is continuing to promote the importance of COVID booster shots with their clients. 

With support from federal funding and the Canadian Association of Community Health Centres, CUPS has been offering weekly vaccination clinics at their 10th Avenue location with an added focus on boosters.

Low booster rates in Alberta

While the clinic can administer first or second shots as needed, right now the booster is available to any clients who have both doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and it’s been at least five months. 

According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), only 38 percent of Alberta’s population have received their third dose.

AHS Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Cora Constantinescu says the latest strains such as Omicron and the BA.2 variant have been much more transmissible than the earlier strains.  

She says a third dose protects against illness, hospitalizations and death.

That is why the CUPS outreach vaccination program continues to work to get vaccinations into the arms of vulnerable Calgarians.  

A multifaceted approach to boosters

It’s more than just a shot in the arm at CUPS; it’s about education and trust. 

The CUPS vaccination program has two vaccine ambassadors, consisting of a nurse and a coordinator who will take a lot of time to sit down and talk to the client about the COVID-19 vaccine they administer.   

During this time, they will provide fact-based, accurate information and listen to the client about how they feel about it, so they can address any concerns they may have.  

Ensuring the client feels comfortable and safe is always the priority. They will never pressure anyone who doesn’t want the vaccine to get it.

As an added incentive, CUPS offers a $25 gift certificate for any client who gets their booster with them.

About the COVID booster

A COVID-19 booster is a shot of an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection by the original photos has begun to decrease over time. It helps maintain strong protection from COVID – 19. 

AHS says third doses are available to any of the following 

• Albertans aged 12 and older

• If they have not already received a dose of an mRNA vaccine and are not eligible under other booster criteria. It can be administered five months after the second dose.

• Immunocompromised children aged 5 – 11, eight weeks after their second dose.

• Travellers to jurisdictions where AstraZeneca / Covishield or mixed doses are not recognized.  It can be given a minimum of four weeks after the second dose. 

Doses are also available at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre’s safe consumption site. 

If you are a CUPS client, please call the CUPS Vaccine Team to book an appointment or find out about walk-in opportunities at 403–803–4063.

For fact based-information about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, please learn more here.