Most Albertans to pay $100 for COVID-19 vaccination this fall

Pharmacist Randy Howden is making headlines for administering COVID-19 vaccines at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in the Crowfoot West Business Centre. This comes as part of a two-phase rollout announced by the Alberta government, which includes a $100 fee per dose for most Albertans.

The fee exemption applies to specific groups such as health care workers, residents in continuing care homes, the unhoused, home care recipients, individuals aged 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit, and the immuno-compromised.

While the fee exemptions for health care workers were added after public outcry, concerns still linger regarding the accessibility of the vaccine and the charge for the majority of the population. This policy is unique to Alberta and has sparked criticism.

Despite this, provincial officials defend the rollout, citing the need to prevent vaccine wastage after 401,000 doses expired or went unused in the previous respiratory virus season. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable Albertans while efficiently utilizing vaccine supplies.

Phase 2 recipients subject to the $100 fee are expected to begin receiving their vaccinations around October 20. Albertans can register for a vaccine appointment through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System until September 30, with bookings extending beyond that date based on vaccine supply availability.

Alberta has ordered approximately 485,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses for the upcoming respiratory virus season. Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi and advocacy groups like Friends of Medicare have criticized the imposition of a vaccine fee, arguing that it hinders access to immunizations.

B.C. Ministry of Health has stated that Albertans will receive the vaccine free-of-charge in British Columbia, with priority given to B.C. residents. Meanwhile, Alberta’s decision to limit vaccinations to public health clinics and exclude pharmacies has drawn criticism for reducing accessibility.

Critics like Friends of Medicare’s executive director Chris Gallaway believe that the province’s approach caters to an anti-vaccine minority rather than prioritizing public health. Gallaway also points out that the registration process for vaccinations in Alberta is cumbersome and may deter people from getting vaccinated.

Pharmacists who were not consulted in the decision-making process argue that they could distribute vaccine doses more efficiently. With COVID-19 claiming 401 lives in Alberta in the previous year, the importance of widespread vaccination remains a crucial public health concern.

Overall, the Alberta government’s decision to implement a vaccine fee has sparked debate and raised questions about accessibility and public health priorities. As the rollout progresses, the impact of this policy on vaccination rates and community health will become clearer.

If you would like to reach out to the author of this article, you can contact them at BKaufmann@postmedia.com.

You can also follow them on Twitter at @BillKaufmannjrn.