2025-2026 COVID-19 immunization program update
The Government of Alberta has updated the phases of its 2025-2026 COVID-19 immunization program. The COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to Albertans in two phases, starting with the highest risk groups before being made available to a wider range of Albertans. In Phase 1, the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available free of charge to eligible Albertans, including healthcare workers. Eligible populations can access the vaccine from the time this phase starts until the end of the season or as long as the vaccine is available. In Phase 2, individuals who are not considered to be at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may still be able to access the vaccine. An administrative fee of $100 will apply. Full details on eligibility, including eligible underlying medical conditions and immunocompromising conditions, can be found here: COVID-19 info for Albertans | Alberta.ca. This site also includes information on how to book an appointment.
HPV Self-Sampling Pilot criteria expanded
The eligibility criteria for participation in the Primary Care Alberta HPV Self-Sampling (cervix self-screening) Pilot project has been expanded to include people who have not had a Pap test in the last five years.
If a patient identifies you as their primary care provider, you will receive lab results and result letters for that patient. If your patient has an HPV positive result, they may seek your support for follow-up testing (Pap or colposcopy). The HPV Self-Sampling Pilot aims to increase cervical cancer screening access and participation in three under-screened populations in Alberta: Indigenous, newcomer and individuals living in rural/remote communities. Potential participants can call 1-866-727-3926 to be assessed for eligibility, order a kit and have it mailed to them. Participants can access their results through MyHealth Records or MyAHS Connect and they will receive a result letter in the mail.
Lab bulletin (South Zone): Mononucleosis test change
Effective August 26, stat and routine infectious mononucleosis testing performed at the Bow Island, Bassano, Brooks and Big Country (Oyen) health centres will be discontinued. Stat orders will be referred to the Medicine Hat Hospital laboratory; routine orders will be referred to the Diagnostic Services Centre in Calgary. Primary care providers may notice a slightly longer turnaround time as a result of this change.
Lab bulletin (Edmonton Zone): Standardized vitamin D test
The University of Alberta Hospital APL laboratory in Edmonton has transitioned 1,25 di-hydroxyvitamin D testing to the DiaSorin Liaison instrument. The expected turnaround time is two to three weeks. | 
