Alberta expands eligibility of monkeypox vaccine, Shots starting Friday

Alberta is expanding its eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine.

Starting today, residents 18 and older can make a booking for the shot if they are determined to be at a high risk for exposure to the virus.

Previously, the vaccine was available only to close contacts of a confirmed case.

Shots for the new eligible group start tomorrow.

Alberta has confirmed 13 cases of monkeypox, according to Alberta Health Services.

Alberta is working with the federal government to secure more doses of the vaccine. The federal government will release additional doses from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) based on usage,” a spokesperson with Alberta Health said.