The province will charge most Albertans $100 for a COVID-19 vaccine starting this fall, and it will now roll out the doses in two phases instead of a planned four.--CP FILE PHOTO
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Albertans who pay for their COVID-19 vaccination this fall will foot $100, the province has announced.
The cost was unveiled as part of an updated rollout, which had been set occur over four phases, but will now be just two, with phase one starting Oct. 1.
Those eligible for a phase-one free shot include health-care workers, seniors in continuing care or supportive living, home care clients, those receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit, those with underlying medical conditions and those experiencing homelessness.
Several conditions meet the criteria as well, such as pregnancy, obesity and mental health disorders. Medicinal issues like heart and lung conditions, diabetes and HIV are also included.
Everyone else will be part of phase two, scheduled to open on Oct. 20, and they will pay $100.
“We are striking a balance between protecting vulnerable Albertans and preventing vaccine wastage. We remain committed to ensuring Albertans who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 have access to vaccines,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services.
All residents can use the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at alberta.ca until Sept. 30 to register for COVID-19 immunizations. Those who do so will receive a notification on October when vaccination becomes available and can also pre-order their vaccine for the 2026-27 season.
Albertans who do not pre-order by Sept. 30 can still book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment once vaccines become available in October. Appointments will be available until supply is exhausted, or the end of the respiratory virus season.
Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to determine the best immunization plan for their needs.
Public health experts have called the province’s COVID strategy irresponsible and said it would create more barriers to getting vaccinated.
The province has already reversed part of its new policy, which initially would have required health-care workers to pay. Smith said this week that union demands during bargaining negotiations led to the change.
Earlier Friday, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi reiterated his call to make the COVID-19 vaccine universally covered.
“Albertans deserve the same access to this vaccine that every other Canadian gets,” he said in a statement.
— with file from Canadian Press
