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2mo ago

Alberta to Charge for COVID-19 Vaccines in Phased Fall Rollout

Danielle Smith’s government says charging for COVID-19 vaccines will curb waste by prioritizing high-risk residents.

Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith speaks to media following the First Minister’s Meeting in Saskatoon, Sask., Monday, June 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
During her weekly radio show in Calgary, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defended her government's decision to start charging most Albertans for the COVID-19 vaccine and claimed "it doesn't work particularly well."
Pharmacist Randy Howden administers a COVID-19 vaccine at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in the Crowfoot West Business Centre in Calgary on October 16, 2024. Next season, vaccines will only be available via health clinics as opposed to pharmacies, and they will come at a cost for those who aren't at high risk and who aren't receiving social assistance, the Alberta government said.
The Alberta government says it wants to cut down on waste now that provinces have taken on responsibility for COVID-19 vaccines.

Overview

  • Alberta’s policy will require healthy residents to pay for COVID-19 shots starting fall 2025 with fees still to be determined after the province assumed procurement responsibilities.
  • The government has secured about 485,000 vaccine doses for the 2025–26 season and will limit administration to public health clinics.
  • Fall deliveries will be rolled out in four phases beginning with seniors in supportive living and home care clients, then immunocompromised individuals and social assistance recipients.
  • Health experts warn that introducing fees may depress uptake, drive up hospital visits and worsen a measles outbreak that has reached 879 confirmed cases.
  • Premier Danielle Smith says the fee structure will recoup part of the $135 million lost to unused doses and ensure limited supplies serve vulnerable Albertans.