March 15, 2021
CALGARY — A large-scale, easily accessible COVID-19 vaccination site will open at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre on April 5 through a partnership between Alberta Health Services, the City of Calgary and the convention centre.
The convention centre’s central location, as well as access to transit and parking, makes it an ideal site for a large-scale vaccination centre. The City of Calgary is providing free parking for those getting vaccinations at this location. Protocols will be implemented to ensure proper physical distancing, cleaning and sanitization.
Information on parking and transit options will be shared closer to the opening of the convention centre location. Booking for this facility is expected to open later this month.
“This is very exciting news and helps support and advance the Government of Alberta goal to have all Albertans who wish to be vaccinated get vaccinated,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “We encourage all Albertans to get vaccinated as they become eligible and we are working closely with AHS and community partners to expand these opportunities.”
The addition of the TELUS Convention Centre will bring the total number of AHS immunization sites in the AHS Calgary Zone to 25. Once operational, the convention centre site will host approximately 100 vaccination stations with capacity to expand to 120 stations depending on vaccine availability. At 10 vaccination stations working to full capacity for eight hours, 500 Albertans could be vaccinated by appointment each day at this site.
“Calgarians have been incredible in their actions to keep each other safe throughout this pandemic. With vaccines now available for many, having a central location that could facilitate a huge vaccination effort was critical. That’s why The City is partnering to invest in the space required to solve the logistical element of this public health effort,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu says this collaboration with the City of Calgary and the convention centre creates a unique opportunity for AHS to deliver COVID-19 vaccination on a larger scale Calgary. “We are grateful to these partners for their participation and support in making this opportunity a reality,” she says.
“We are proud to be called on to support our province’s response to COVID-19 and provide a safe and clean space for our community to be vaccinated,” says Kurby Court, President and CEO of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. “This is one of the most meaningful events we will ever host and we will work closely with our local and provincial partners for a seamless transition into a vaccination site.”
The convention centre location will operate between eight and 16 hours, seven days a week, for those eligible and with pre-booked vaccination appointments. Hours of operation will be based on vaccine supply. Albertans can check their eligibility and book their appointment using AHS’ online booking tool, available at www.ahs.ca/covidvaccine, or by calling Health Link at 811.
All vaccines approved for use in Canada are safe and effective. The vaccine administered at the convention centre location will be based on availability.
A booked appointment secures a vaccination time. There is no need to attend a vaccination site more than 10 minutes ahead of a scheduled appointment time. Enhanced line management and security measures will be in place to ensure the safety and security of all those coming to the vaccination site.
As with all AHS COVID-19 vaccination sites, there are no drop-in appointments.
AHS staff will screen everyone for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the vaccination area for their appointment. The security, health and safety of all people entering the facility is of the highest importance. If you are unwell and have any COVID-19 symptoms, please rebook your appointment.
Currently, AHS has 117 immunization sites across the province. With available vaccine supply, AHS is committed to immunizing an average of 10,000 people daily across the province. That amount will increase pending more vaccine supply.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
