We are working hard to immunize Albertans as quickly & safely as possible. @Shandro and I have issued a statement clarifying some misinformation that’s circulating. (1/5) https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=760034395DEAC-F11B-5CDA-E279340B4CD5FD8D

Early on in planning for #COVID19AB immunization, @AHS_media was asked to devise a strategy to ensure that vaccine wastage was minimized. This is in place & working well (2/5)

The vaccine cannot be re-frozen or put in a fridge. Doses are thawed according to pre-scheduled appointments. Appts are overbooked to ensure that workers are always in line. If no appointments are left but doses available, on-site staff are immunized to prevent waste. (3/5)

In all immunization programs, a small amount will be lost when drawing doses or a vial is dropped or spilled. This has been limited to 0.3%. The COVID program has had less wastage than what usually occurs in the annual influenza immunization program. (4/5)

Every dose counts, and we will keep looking for ways to reduce wastage as more vaccines arrive. Every precaution must be taken to ensure we use as much as we can. (5/5)