August 20, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Alberta’s government says it will once again cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers, reversing an earlier decision that would have required most people to pay out of pocket.
Maddison McKee, press secretary to Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, confirmed in an email Tuesday that health-care workers will be eligible for free shots this fall as part of the first phase of the province’s immunization rollout.
“Immunization will remain voluntary,” McKee said.
The move comes two months after the province announced that, apart from limited high-risk groups, Albertans — including front-line health staff — would need to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines themselves. The policy drew sharp criticism from public health experts and unions, who argued that forcing health-care workers to pay for protection in the workplace was irresponsible.
Premier Danielle Smith has defended the province’s approach by pointing to the $135 million spent on unused doses in previous campaigns and noting that many other vaccines are not publicly funded. The government has not explained what triggered this latest shift.
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta, one of several unions pressing for free access, says its members raised the issue at the bargaining table. President Mike Parker welcomed the announcement, noting the government chose to apply the coverage broadly rather than restrict it to unionized staff.
“This is both in the interest of our members and the public to make sure these folks stay healthy and on the job,” Parker said.
The HSAA reached a tentative agreement with employers last week covering wages and benefits, though it still requires ratification.
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