What changed and who gets free doses
Alberta launched the first phase of a controversial COVID-19 vaccination program on October 1. In this phase, free doses are available to a narrow group: seniors living in long-term care facilities, individuals aged 65 and older, healthcare workers, and people with underlying medical conditions. Public health clinics will administer these complimentary doses to eligible residents as part of the plan that the government unveiled earlier this year.
For everyone else in Alberta, the plan requires paying for a dose. The government has set a price tag of 100 dollars for an autumn vaccination dose for the non‑eligible majority, a policy the administration says is rooted in concerns about vaccine waste and the high costs associated with vaccination logistics.
Officials emphasize that vaccines will still be available, but the cost structure means the vast majority of Albertans will be paying out of pocket unless they meet the free-dose criteria. The next step is a scheduled start for those who are not eligible for free doses: appointment slots open for the broader public starting on October 20.
The appointment puzzle
Even as the system goes live, many residents report trouble navigating the new booking process. Nicole Perry, a healthcare worker, described the experience as frustrating and unfriendly to users who lack time or digital savvy. “Every time I called, I’ve just received a message saying: ‘We are extremely busy, we have a high volume of calls.’ And then the message says goodbye and hangs up.” Perry said, highlighting the strain on front-line workers trying to access vaccines for themselves and others.
The difficulties with online scheduling and phone support have raised concerns about how accessible the program will be for vulnerable populations, including those who may not be comfortable with digital tools or who cannot afford long waits on a help line.
Pricing and the pharmacy option
As announced, vaccines can be offered in pharmacies as well as public health clinics, but with an added cost. Alberta Health Services notes that vaccines could be administered through pharmacies, which could entail a higher price for patients. Mohamed Elfishawi, who runs two Edmonton-area pharmacies, explained that pharmacies must order vaccines directly from suppliers, a step that adds to costs. He estimated that in his stores the vaccine would cost about $20 more than the $100 charged by public health clinics.
“How am I supposed to compensate for this price difference? Several friends told me they won’t administer vaccines. It isn’t fair to charge customers more than the public health system,” Elfishawi said. He also warned that limiting access to cheaper options could deter those unfamiliar with online or phone-based scheduling from getting vaccinated, potentially reducing overall uptake.
Experts warn about equity and health-system impact
Health experts have sounded alarms about the social and health implications of a paid vaccination model. Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist and physician at McMaster University, told reporters that making COVID-19 vaccination pay‑per‑dose could send a troubling message. “If it was really important, the government would pay for it,” she said, underscoring concerns about equity. Bowdish noted that the policy could create a divide between those who can afford vaccination and those who cannot, compounding the burden on the most vulnerable.
She contends that infections among the most financially constrained may bear the heaviest consequences, raising questions about whether a price tag on vaccines aligns with public health goals. Alberta’s approach—instituting a fee for the majority—also places the province in a unique position nationwide, as it becomes the only Canadian province not to offer universal free access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Context and what it means going forward
With the policy in motion, Alberta faces a testing ground for how price-based access might influence vaccine uptake, equity, and the resilience of the healthcare system. Critics argue that a paid model risks last‑mile barriers for people who are not used to booking online or over the phone, or who cannot afford the cost without a clear public‑health justification. Supporters, meanwhile, say the move could reduce vaccine waste and help manage the program’s overall expense.
As October unfolds, residents, healthcare workers, and policymakers will watch to see whether the phased approach improves vaccination access for the target groups while leaving enough flexibility to avoid widening disparities. Alberta remains the only province in Canada with this particular approach to subsidizing or charging for COVID-19 vaccines, a distinction that will likely be revisited as the season progresses.
