How does Alberta’s new COVID-19 vaccine policy compare to other provinces? We asked

Alberta’s decision to reduce access to publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines has set the province on a different course than many other Canadian jurisdictions. Most Albertans will no longer be eligible for a free COVID-19 shot this fall. The provincial government recently announced plans to limit coverage to specific high-risk groups, including Albertans living in care homes and group settings, those receiving home care, people on social programs such as AISH, and immunocompromised individuals. All other seniors, pregnant Albertans, and health care workers are not included, despite strong recommendations by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) that they should be vaccinated. NACI also recommends that everyone else may receive an annual dose.

The Alberta government has cited vaccine waste as a key reason for its decision, estimating $135 million worth of vaccines have been discarded due to wastage. The cost per dose is roughly $110. Dr. Samir Sinha, a geriatrician and director of health policy research at the National Institute on Ageing, expressed concerns about Alberta’s divergence from NACI recommendations, stating that Alberta is the only province in the country that has taken this approach.

As responsibility for ordering and buying COVID-19 shots shifts from the federal government to the provinces and territories, other provinces have responded differently. British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and New Brunswick all plan to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccines based on NACI guidance. Saskatchewan is still developing its policy, while Nunavut and Northwest Territories intend to follow NACI recommendations.

Fiona Clement, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, highlighted Alberta’s departure from other provinces in terms of vaccine coverage. She expressed disappointment in the politicization of COVID-19 vaccines, stating that barriers to access could result in lower vaccination rates, higher hospitalization rates, and higher death rates.

The Alberta government defended its decision as a “responsible, targeted approach” to offset procurement costs and ensure a sustainable solution for Albertans. They mentioned declining COVID-19 vaccination rates and lower uptake among lower-risk groups in previous seasons. The government emphasized focusing on high-risk populations while making the best use of taxpayer dollars.

However, Dr. Sinha raised concerns about the potential impact of Alberta’s decision on other provinces’ coverage plans and the overall public health of Albertans. He worried that the approach could create confusion and barriers to vaccination.

In conclusion, Alberta’s decision to limit access to publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines has sparked debate and raised questions about the province’s approach compared to other jurisdictions. The implications of this decision on vaccination rates and public health outcomes remain to be seen.