A box filled with syringes prepared for giving Novavax COVID-19 vaccines. Bloomberg
Many people in Alberta will now have to pay for COVID-19 vaccines. The government announced on Friday that free vaccines will only be offered to specific groups moving forward.
This new rule comes after Alberta took over vaccine purchasing from the federal government. Since then, officials say it’s important to order fewer doses to reduce waste and save money. Last year, more than half of the COVID-19 vaccine supply—over one million doses—went unused.
Four-Step Rollout Plan
The new vaccine program will happen in four phases:
Phase One:
Only people in seniors’ supportive living or receiving home care can get the vaccine for free.
Phase Two:
People with serious health problems, weak immune systems, or those living in shared housing like shelters or group homes will qualify for free shots. This phase also covers those receiving financial help through income support programs.
Phase Three and Four:
Everyone else in Alberta will have to pay. It will start with people aged 65 and older. Others will follow based on age and risk level.
No Timeline Yet
The government hasn’t shared exact dates for when these changes will begin. It also hasn’t said when people will stop getting free COVID-19 shots. However, anyone who wants to get vaccinated can pre-order doses starting August 11. The expected cost is around $110 per shot.
Criticism from Opposition
Sarah Hoffman, health critic for the Alberta NDP, called the decision “anti-science” and “cruel.” She said it adds stress to people who want to protect their families from COVID-19.
Hoffman believes that instead of cutting funding, the government should focus on encouraging vaccination. That way, doses wouldn’t go to waste, and more people would stay healthy.
Experts Raise Concerns
Lorian Hardcastle, a health law professor in Calgary, says this move could send the wrong message. She worries it might make people believe vaccines aren’t important anymore.
Hardcastle pointed out that Alberta already has lower vaccination rates than other provinces. She fears that charging for COVID shots will make that problem worse.
What’s Next?
People in Alberta who want the vaccine should keep an eye on updates from health officials. For now, pre-orders begin in August, but the cost and exact rollout schedule are still unknown.
