A COVID-19 vaccination milestone was reached today (Thursday, July 22) with 75 per cent of eligible Albertans having received a first COVID vaccine shot. 

Subsequently, 61.3 per cent of the provincial population have now been fully immunized with two doses of COVID vaccine. 

While it is an important milestone, it still can be improved upon. Dr. Deena Hinshaw says, “Seventy-five per cent of eligible Albertans vaccinated with at least one dose is a milestone to celebrate, but a quarter of eligible Albertans still do not have vaccine protection. We need to vaccinate as many people as possible now to protect us all in the weeks and months ahead.”

Dr. Hinshaw also reported that 96 per cent of all Alberta COVID-19 cases reported since January 1 were unvaccinated or had contracted the virus within two weeks of their first immunization shot.

The COVID-19 numbers for Thursday, July 22 saw 106 new cases in the province in the past 24 hours. 

Total active cases in the province increase by 27 to 676.

Cochrane is accounting for two cases of that total while Rocky View County is adding nine active cases to the tally.

There are three fewer hospitalizations with a total of 93 and CU admissions decreased by one for a total of 26.

Sadly, another two deaths were reported bringing the total in the province to 2,320.