Active health advisories
As part of AHS’ commitment to the health and safety of Albertans, AHS releases health advisories related to air quality, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), heat, boil water, federal notices, wildfire and flood resources and safety information, food safety news, COVID-19 information, environmental public health orders, public health travel notices, and health enforcement notices.
New primary care measles resources
As measles has been identified in Alberta this year, and cases are increasing globally, AHS is offering new resources for primary care providers: You can also refer to existing measles resources, including:
Paxlovid™ funding changesAs of May 24, the federal government is no longer providing Paxlovid™ to the provinces and territories. Moving forward, Alberta will provide coverage for Paxlovid™ for Albertans at the highest risk of progression to severe COVID-19 and who are members of government-sponsored drug plans (e.g., Coverage for Seniors or a low income plan, such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped or Alberta Adult Health Benefit). Albertans who require access to Paxlovid™ and do not have government-sponsored drug coverage are encouraged to speak to their private insurance plan administrator to determine if this therapy is funded under their policy. Paxlovid™ has been added as a benefit to Alberta Blue Cross group and Individual Product plans where eligible. Albertans who have tested positive for COVID-19 can call their primary care practitioner to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria or are candidates for Paxlovid™. Or, they can call the dedicated line at 1-844-343-0971. What is Paxlovid™? Paxlovid™ is an oral antiviral drug used to prevent patients who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed with COVID-19 from progressing to a severe disease. It must be taken within five days of symptom onset.
Who’s eligible?
Albertans are eligible if they: - Are 18 years of age or older AND
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 based on a positive test result (either rapid antigen test or PCR test) AND
- Are moderately or severely immunosuppressed – including, for example, patients who have had organ transplants, or who have HIV or renal conditions.
- Note: there is no longer an age requirement for Paxlovid™ eligibility.
Reminder: FAST launching gynecology in Calgary, Central, North and South Zones on June 10
The Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) program will begin accepting gynecology referrals in Calgary, Central, North and South Zones on June 10, 2024. FAST currently accepts referrals for general surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology* and vascular surgery. Edmonton Zone continues to intake colposcopy referrals and plans to add all gynecology reasons for referral in Fall 2024. FAST is a provincial central access and intake program. Learn more at AHS.ca/FAST. *Urology referrals in Edmonton Zone should continue to be submitted through eReferral. | 