Alberta expands COVID-19 shots coverage for health workers, but calls grow for wider access

After the province's decision to give free COVID shots to health-care workers, there are calls for the vaccine to be covered for everyone.

Calls are growing louder in Alberta for the COVID-19 vaccine to be covered free of charge for all residents, following the province’s decision Tuesday to partially reverse its vaccine policy and expand coverage to some health-care workers.

While the move has been welcomed by workers and unions, public health experts and critics say it doesn’t go far enough, leaving many Albertans uncertain about access to the vaccine.

“The government has now taken a step towards admitting that they had the wrong approach,” said Chris Galloway, executive director at Friends of Medicare.

“Limiting vaccine coverage to select groups is inconsistent with public health goals. It shouldn’t be carving out groups of people and leaving everyone else to pay out of pocket. It makes absolutely no sense.”

Premier Danielle Smith has said the aim of the new policy was to prevent wastage, after some $135 million was spent on unused doses. She’s also pointed out that other vaccinations come with an out-of-pocket fee.

The government did not immediately respond to questions about what prompted the shift and specifics on qualifying health conditions for any Albertan to qualify for a free shot has yet to be released.

Madisson McKee, press secretary to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange did however emphasize that that the vaccine will remain voluntary, highlighting the government’s position while details on eligibility, scheduling, and administrative fees continue to be finalized.

Albertans still need to book appointments for shots, starting in October, and those who don’t pre-order by a Sept. 30 deadline can still schedule once doses become available.

The province said it has ordered 485,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for the fall — about 250,000 fewer doses than were administered last year.

Local pharmacies will not receive COVID-19 doses under the new plan, with vaccines only available through public health clinics in a phased delivery.

The government hasn’t finalized how much other Albertans will need to pay. An estimated cost to buy each shot is $110.

Concerns

For many Albertans, the announcement raises questions about who will actually qualify for a free shot.

In June, the province said those who have compromised immune systems, people on social programs and seniors in congregate settings would be covered, but that claim is still unknown.

Jeanine Baxter, a teacher, said the uncertainty affects her directly.

“Even myself being a teacher, I think it would be welcome news to have access to these shots. We have lots of contact with children and parents, and it would be nice to be protected,” Baxter said.

“I would appreciate if I didn’t have to pay.”

Jason Chan Rémillard, owner of Pharmasave on Northmount, also expressed concern about restricting access through pharmacies.

“It’s a big miss to not include pharmacy in these programs. Convenience matters, and many people rely on pharmacies for easy access to vaccines. There are many communities that also don’t have a health centre to go to,” he said.

“As for concerns on wastage, if it’s a single dose you could order them individually, see the people who register for a vaccine, and they could give me the allocation to order that vaccine for the people who ask for one. So there are ways to reduce wastage.”

‘Summer of UCP flip-flops’: Alberta NDP

Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called on the United Conservative Party government to give the shot to all seniors at no cost.

“This is the summer of UCP flip flops, and like everyone, I love wearing flip flops in the summer, but this is crazy. The UCP are clearly making up government as they go along,” said Nenshi.

“We know that we’re going into a respiratory influenza season influenza and the more people you can keep out of the hospital, the better. So why not make it easier for people to stay out of the hospital if they so choose? This government’s blinded by ideology, and they’re just not willing to do it.”

Nenshi added that the province has run the weakest flu vaccine program he had ever seen and that the uncertainty of this latest COVID-19 rollout is creating more issues.

“Do I have to preregister for a flu vaccine as well as a covid vaccine? What does preregistration mean? The incompetence of this government is staggering, and it’s incompetence that’s driven by anti-vax ideology, and people are going to get sick and die as a result.”

Public Health Concerns

Experts warn that limiting access could reduce vaccine uptake, especially for children and other vulnerable populations.

Sam Wong, president of the Pediatrics Section of the Alberta Medical Association, said early vaccination is particularly important for children.

“I think the first exposure to COVID should be through the vaccine, as opposed to the virus itself. We’re still seeing kids being admitted to hospital. If we can minimize the adverse effects by vaccinating early, that’s the way to go,” Wong said.

Wong also supports the new guidance issued Tuesday by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children ages six through 23 months, as well as for children aged two through 18 in certain risk groups.

“These recommendations align with our goal of protecting children from COVID-19 complications. Even for kids who don’t fall into high-risk groups, vaccination should be available if parents or guardians want them protected,” Wong said.

Craig Jenne, infectious disease expert at the University of Calgary, said the lack of clarity in the rollout could affect uptake during the upcoming respiratory virus season.

“People need to be able to plan and make arrangements. The season is around the corner, and vaccines are not instant. Restricting access will make it more difficult for families and frontline workers alike,” Jenne said.

Push back

Mike Parker, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, said negotiations were crucial in ensuring coverage for frontline workers.

“Our members demanded this change. We carried our members’ voices to where the government knew they would have to hear us — directly to the bargaining table,” said Parker.

“We secured this coverage in the bargaining, and as a result, this announcement covers all healthcare workers.”

Gill McGowan, president of the Alberta Labour Federation, echoed the sentiment, stressing the role of unions in advocating for worker safety.

“This is a win for the workers. But we need access for every Albertan who wants the vaccine. Anything less is public health negligence,” he said.