November 3, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Some Calgary pharmacists say they’ve begun creating waitlists for private COVID-19 vaccines as supplies run short and frustrated Albertans turn to them for help.
The provincial government continues to face backlash over its decision to charge most Albertans for the vaccine, while many residents report struggling to navigate what they describe as a confusing and cumbersome public booking system.
Currently, government-run clinics are the only venues offering COVID-19 shots through the public program. Only certain high-risk groups qualify for free vaccination; most Albertans are being asked to pay $100.
Private pharmacies have also been offering vaccines, but those supplies have quickly dwindled. Pfizer Canada, which provides the private stock, confirmed it has temporarily limited pharmacy orders due to higher-than-expected demand.
“It just all seemed to dry up,” said Jason Chan Remillard, pharmacist and owner of the Pharmasave in Calgary’s Brentwood community.
He said his pharmacy stopped receiving vaccine shipments last week after weeks of receiving only small quantities.
“We’ve got people on waitlists. We’ve got names on papers waiting for shots. It’s just crazy,” Chan Remillard said.
He added that many customers have come to his pharmacy after struggling to book through the province’s online system, while others have been offered appointments a month or more away — well into the height of respiratory virus season.
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