Alberta sets Covid-19 vaccin shot price at $ 100 in the last update
Alberta Introduces $100 Fee for COVID-19 Vaccine
Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith answers a question from the media during a meeting of Canada’s Premiers in Huntsville, On., In July. The province of Mrs. Smith is the only one in the country who has many of his inhabitants paid out of their own pocket for a shot from Covid-19.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Albertans who will not be eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine this fall will now have to pay $100 for the opportunity, the province announced on Friday as it unveiled another update to its highly scrutinized immunization program.
Alberta will be the only province in the country where most residents will have to pay out of pocket to be immunized against COVID-19. Healthcare workers, immunocompromised individuals, seniors in care homes or receiving home care, and those receiving income support will be covered by the province. The $100 administrative fee applies to all other Albertans.
The government also revealed in a press release on Friday that the rollout will now be conducted in two phases instead of four. Phase one appointments, which only include those eligible for free shots, will commence on October 14. Phase two appointments for the general public are set to begin on October 20.
Alberta stated that this adjustment will streamline access to immunization.
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Adriana Lagrange, Minister of Primary and Preventive Health Services, stated, “We are striking a balance between protecting vulnerable Albertans and preventing vaccine wastage. We remain committed to ensuring that Albertans at higher risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes are prioritized.”
The government cited the need for changes in its COVID-19 program as responsibility for vaccine procurement shifted from the federal government to provinces. Alberta reported that 54% of the province’s COVID-19 vaccine inventory went unused in the 2023-24 season.
The United Conservative Party government has faced opposition from healthcare experts, legal professionals, labor unions, and the opposition New Democratic Party for its new policy, which diverges from national immunization guidelines.
Earlier this week, the government reversed course on another aspect of its program announced in June by extending coverage to healthcare workers. This change came after negotiations with the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, a union representing approximately 29,000 healthcare providers.
Naheed Nenshi, leader of the NDP, called on the UCP on Friday to make COVID-19 vaccines free for all Albertans.
“Albertans deserve equal access to this vaccine as every other Canadian,” Mr. Nenshi stated.
Albertans have been instructed to book their COVID-19 vaccines through an online portal. Prime Minister Danielle Smith announced on Thursday that over 100,000 Albertans have already done so.
