August 11, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Albertans will now need to book appointments and, in most cases, pay over $100 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine under a new policy announced by Premier Danielle Smith’s government in June.
Smith defended the change by citing $135 million in wasted doses last year, partly due to declining public demand.
While she has questioned the vaccine’s effectiveness, the province will continue offering it free to vulnerable people.
The policy will roll out in four phases: seniors in supportive living are prioritized first, followed by those with underlying health conditions, both receiving the vaccine at no cost.
In the third phase, Albertans aged 65 and older must pay full price, and the final phase includes the rest of the population.
Critics, including Alberta NDP health critic Dr. Luanne Metz, argue the policy could deter vaccinations, increase hospitalizations, and reflects an anti-science stance. More details are available on Alberta’s official COVID-19 website.
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