Alberta government maintaining COVID vaccine fee as it prepares for fall influenza campaign
The Alberta government is maintaining a $100 fee for COVID-19 vaccinations while expanding exemptions for high-risk individuals and seniors. The policy, originally implemented to reduce vaccine wastage, has seen a significant drop in both discarded doses and overall vaccine uptake.
Why it matters
This policy reflects a controversial approach to public health management, balancing fiscal responsibility against the goal of maintaining high vaccination rates.
In a news release issued Monday, the province said it's maintaining the $100 fee it brought in last year for those seeking the COVID vaccine, though there's a long list of reasons that could see the fee be waived for people, such as having health conditions that put them at risk for severe illness.
The government said it's making it easier to get the vaccine this year as it's waiving the fee for anyone over the age of 65, and once again supplying pharmacies with the COVID vaccine to administer it.
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