On April 12, a large-scale, easily accessible COVID-19 vaccination site will open at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, through a partnership with the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton EXPO Centre.

Clinics in Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat will also shift to rapid flow mode on April 9, with the Calgary site increasing capacity next week.

“This is another step forward to delivering the vaccine as quickly and safely as possible. I want to thank everyone involved for working together to protect public health. This will help more Edmonton-area residents get protected from COVID-19 and help us achieve our goal of offering every adult Albertan the vaccine by June 30.”

“EXPO Centre has symbolized the ongoing and collaborative working relationship between the City of Edmonton and Alberta Health Services over the past year. Just as the facility provided space hosting our city's most vulnerable at the pandemic's start, the Expo Centre will offer many Edmontonians their way out of COVID as a large-scale vaccination venue.”

“The City of Edmonton has been a generous partner throughout the entire pandemic response in Edmonton Zone and the site at the EXPO Centre is another example of this. We’re grateful to have access to this large site to safely immunize a large number of people in a timely manner.”

The EXPO Centre’s central location, as well as access to transit and parking, makes it an ideal site for a large-scale vaccination centre. 

As part of Alberta’s expanding vaccine rollout, this site will be ready to quickly and significantly expand regular operations to administer large amounts of vaccine when available, providing Albertans with another option as to where they can receive their COVID-19 immunization.

The addition of the EXPO Centre will bring the total number of AHS immunization sites in the Edmonton Zone to eight. Once operational, the site could host up to 154 vaccination stations as needed, with the capacity to accommodate more than 7,100 immunizations per day.

The EXPO Centre location would operate between eight and 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for those eligible and with pre-booked vaccination appointments. Hours of operation will be based on vaccine supply.

There are no drop-in appointments at the site. Protocols will be implemented to ensure proper physical distancing, cleaning and sanitization.

Albertans can check their eligibility and book their appointment using AHS’ online booking tool or by calling Health Link at 811. Vaccine appointments can also be booked at participating pharmacies provincewide.

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.

AHS staff will screen everyone for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the vaccination area. 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.

Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.

Quick facts

• Large-scale immunization clinics that will be used to rapidly increase immunization appointments as vaccine supply permits are now in the following locations:
  • Calgary, Telus Convention Centre
  • Red Deer, Westerner Park
  • Grande Prairie, Sargent Hall
  • Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Macdonald Island Park Curling Rink
  • Lethbridge, Lethbridge Exhibition
  • Medicine Hat, Higdon Hall