According to a news release issued Monday, the Alberta government’s provincewide influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination campaign will begin next month, with appointment bookings officially opening on Oct. 5. Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Justin Wright stated in the release that the province aims to expand protections and offer immunization options close to home to protect vulnerable families.
Alberta Maintains $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Fee With New Exemptions
As the fall immunization rollout approaches, the province announced it is maintaining the $100 fee for individuals seeking the COVID-19 vaccine, a policy first introduced last year. However, a long list of exemptions applies. The fee will be waived for individuals with specific health conditions that place them at high risk for severe illness, as well as for anyone over the age of 65.
To further streamline accessibility, the government is once again supplying pharmacies directly with the COVID-19 vaccine to administer to the public. When the fee was originally implemented, officials explained that the shift was necessary to reduce vaccine wastage, particularly after the provincial government assumed direct responsibility for purchasing the vaccine supply instead of Ottawa.
Comparing Vaccine Waste and Uptake Figures
Official provincial data highlights a decline in vaccine wastage following the introduction of the fee structure. Roughly 20 per cent of vaccine doses were discarded last year. That figure represents an improvement compared to 2024, when nearly 50 per cent of the province’s vaccine supply went to waste.
At the same time, the financial barrier impacted overall immunization rates. Provincial tracking shows that uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine dropped by approximately 40 per cent after the fee was introduced last year, when compared against the previous year’s totals.
Did you know? Albertans can begin scheduling their appointments for the combined influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunization campaign starting on October 5. Readers can visit CityNews Calgary for ongoing local health updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Alberta vaccination bookings open?
According to the provincial government, appointments for the upcoming respiratory illness campaign open on Oct. 5.
Who is exempt from the $100 COVID-19 vaccine fee?
The fee is waived for individuals over the age of 65, as well as those with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk for severe illness.
Why did Alberta introduce a fee for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Provincial officials stated the fee was established to curb vaccine wastage after the province took over vaccine purchasing responsibilities.
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