ACCESSING YOUR FREE VOLUNTARY COVID-19 VACCINATION

Alberta teachers are eligible for a provincially funded COVID-19 vaccine through Primary Care Alberta. The Government of Alberta has outlined the processes for booking a vaccination appointment at a public health centre and for receiving the vaccine at a pharmacy. The Alberta Teachers’ Association (Association) is sharing this information so members know how to access the vaccine, should they wish to receive it, and what steps to take if they are billed in error.

If you have questions about your personal employment situation or need support navigating these steps, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208.

Accessing Your Free COVID-19 Vaccination
The following information has been provided by the Government of Alberta. The Alberta Teachers’ Association is sharing it to support our members.

The Government of Alberta has provided guidance on how teachers can access the provincially funded COVID-19 vaccine, including how to book an appointment for the voluntary vaccine.

Booking Your COVID-19 Vaccination at a Public Health Centre
Under the Back to School Act (BSA), teachers holding a valid Alberta teaching certificate are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine administered at a Primary Care Alberta (PCA) public health centre.

To Book an Appointment
• Go to the online booking site.
• Select the vaccine type.
• Select your age group.
• Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. (A nurse will verify this at the appointment.)
• You may be asked if you want to participate in a University of Calgary study on adverse events. Participation is fully optional.
• Book one appointment at a time.
• Enter your personal health number (found on your Alberta health card).
• Search for a convenient location.
• Choose your preferred appointment time.
• Confirm your appointment.

What to Bring to Your Appointment
• Photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID
• Alberta health card
If you are an eligible teacher, you will not be charged, but you will be asked to complete the standardized financial form used at all public health sites.

Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine Through a Community Pharmacy
Teachers may also receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a participating pharmacy.

Note the following:
• Not all pharmacies will have COVID-19 vaccine stock. Contact them first.
• Pharmacies may bill your private insurance for the cost of the vaccine.
• Pharmacies may charge an additional injection fee, which must be paid upfront. The injection fee may be eligible for reimbursement through a health spending account.

PCA cannot assist with pharmacy-administered vaccines. Read the full guidelines.

To view previous Worth Knowing documents, please visit this link