Albertans can get COVID-19 vaccinations for free in B.C.

Albertans who do not qualify for free COVID-19 vaccinations in their home province have an alternative option available to them – getting vaccinated in British Columbia.

According to B.C.’s Ministry of Health, there is a reciprocal agreement in place between all provinces and territories that allows Canadian residents to receive vaccinations in any province at no cost. This means that Albertans are eligible to receive publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines in British Columbia.

However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. Albertans cannot receive free vaccinations at B.C. pharmacies and they will need to make an appointment. Priority will be given to B.C. residents at the clinics, so non-B.C. residents may have to wait several weeks for an available appointment during the peak of the fall/winter COVID-19 immunization program.

It is important to note that Alberta is the only Canadian province that will not provide free universal access to COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The Alberta government’s policy limits free access to seniors in supportive living, individuals receiving home care, those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions, individuals on AISH and income support, and homeless individuals. Other Albertans who wish to get vaccinated will have to pre-register and the cost has not yet been publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest it could be around $110 per immunization.

Premier Danielle Smith has defended the province’s policy by citing last year’s wastage of approximately 54% of COVID vaccine doses due to lack of demand. The federal government funded vaccine procurement in previous years, but now provinces and territories are responsible for covering the costs. Despite this, Alberta recently extended free COVID vaccinations to health-care workers who were originally required to pay.

Craig Jenne, a professor at the University of Calgary, has suggested that Alberta could ask individuals to pre-register for vaccines without charging a fee to increase vaccine uptake. Offering free vaccines could help mitigate costs and reduce financial barriers for families.

While Alberta continues to require pre-registration and payment for COVID vaccines, other prairie provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan are providing free vaccinations to all residents. Manitoba allows individuals with a valid Canadian health card to receive COVID vaccinations for free, while Saskatchewan offers free vaccines to all residents with a valid health-care card. Residents of Lloydminster, a city on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, are also eligible for free immunizations from a Saskatchewan clinic.

Overall, the option for Albertans to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations in British Columbia provides an alternative solution for those who do not qualify for free vaccinations in their home province.