More provinces lower age eligibility for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

CALGARY (CityNews) — More provinces are lowering the eligibility age for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 40 and older — a big step forward to getting all Canadians their first dose.

“In Canada, we have just over 20 per cent of the population has received at least one dose. We know from looking at other countries that are doing better and are further along in their vaccine campaign we need to get that number above 50 per cent as soon as possible,” said Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Jim Kellner.

The first domino to fall was Ontario which made the announcement Sunday evening.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, leader of the province with the highest rate of active COVID-19 cases in the country, making it official through Twitter a short time later.

Alberta is lowering the minimum age to receive the Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine from 55 to 40.

This decision is based on growing scientific knowledge about the vaccine & is based on @CMOH_Alberta’s advice.

Details will follow tomorrow morning, & bookings will open for Tuesday

— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) April 19, 2021

A move Alberta’s opposition NDP commended.

“It’s good news and I would urge Albertans to take every opportunity they can to get this vaccination,” said Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley.

But, it came as the province reported a man in his 60s was diagnosed with Canada’s second case of a blood clot linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

WATCH: Alberta identifies Canada’s second vaccine-related blood clot

“The risk of getting a severe COVID-19 infection, ending up in an intensive care unit, is many, many folds higher for adults than the risk of an adverse event from the vaccine,” said Kellner.

Manitoba followed suit a short time after.

“Following the fundamentals but also getting vaccinated as soon as possible with whatever vaccine you’re eligible for is going to help us lift these restrictions sooner,” said Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin.

While Quebec hasn’t made an official announcement, it’s also leaning that way.

READ MORE: 83 per cent of cases identified Monday variants of concern

“Will it be 50, 45, 40? I cannot tell you before I receive the advice,” said Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s Director of Public Health

If you are now eligible but worry you’re taking the shot from someone you feel is more deserving or higher risk, Dr. Kellner says not to worry.

“We need everybody to get vaccinated even if they see themselves as being low risk, because they can help with herd immunity.”