Alberta government weighs future of COVID-19 vaccination as federal program winds down

The future of Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccination program is uncertain as federal funding is set to end this summer. Ottawa has been covering the costs and distribution of vaccines across the country since they first became available. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada recently announced that provinces and territories will be taking over the responsibility of purchasing their own supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

“This approach is in line with regular immunization programs, where provinces and territories determine vaccine eligibility and timing based on factors such as vaccine availability and COVID-19 trends within their jurisdiction,” a spokesperson from the Public Health Agency of Canada stated.

It has been confirmed that there is enough federally funded vaccine supply to last through the spring, after which provinces will need to decide how many doses they want to order. The implications of this shift in responsibility for Albertans remain unclear as the provincial government is still formulating its plan and has not yet committed to providing the vaccine for free.

The Health Minister’s office mentioned that they are reviewing recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and drafting policy options for consideration. The cost associated with providing provincially funded vaccinations is a significant factor that the government is currently assessing as part of their budget planning for 2025.

Dr. Stephanie Smith, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta Hospital, emphasized the importance of continuing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, especially for high-risk populations such as those with underlying medical conditions, advanced age, and pregnant individuals. She also highlighted the significance of funding vaccines for healthcare workers to ensure their protection.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of COVID-19 vaccination in Alberta, Dr. Smith advocated for offering the vaccine for free to all individuals who wish to receive it. However, vaccination rates in the province have been declining, with only 12.8% of Albertans receiving a shot since the end of August.

Fiona Clement, a professor at the University of Calgary, expressed concerns that introducing financial barriers to vaccination could further decrease uptake rates. She emphasized the importance of following evidence-based recommendations from NACI and maintaining public funding for vaccination programs to ensure wide accessibility and increased uptake in the province.

The Alberta government stated that they are working to secure doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for the next respiratory virus season and will provide more details in the coming months. As the province navigates the transition to provincial responsibility for COVID-19 vaccination, clarity on eligibility, accessibility, and funding will be essential to ensure the continued success of the vaccination program.