Following pressure from health unions and criticism from experts, the Alberta government has decided to cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine for all health-care workers this fall. The decision is a minor change from the government’s previous policy, which required most people, including health-care workers, to pay for the vaccine themselves.

Madison MacKay, a spokeswoman for the Minister of Primary Health Services, said the vaccination will remain voluntary and will be implemented as part of the first phase of the fall vaccination program.

The government had previously said that only people with underlying medical conditions, seniors living in community-based settings and those covered by social programs would receive the vaccine free of charge. But the policy has been met with a backlash from unions and experts who say it is irresponsible and dangerous for frontline workers.

Mike Parker, president of the Alberta Health Sciences Association, said union members had been pushing for the change during negotiations, but the government decided to implement it universally. “This decision is in the best interest of both health workers and the public, because it keeps healthcare workers healthy,” he added.

Parker also called for the vaccine to be made free for everyone. Currently, the estimated cost per dose is about $110, but the government has not yet set a final price.

Opposition NDP leader Nahid Nenshi also called for the government to make the vaccine free for all seniors, calling the government’s response “confused and incompetent.”

The Alberta government has announced that it has ordered 485,000 doses of the vaccine for the fall, down from last year. The vaccines will also be available only through public health clinics, with pharmacies no longer involved in the process. This has raised concerns about reduced access in rural areas and for busy people.

Currently, pre-orders for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available online, and people have until the end of September to get their shots. Those who are unable to pre-order will be able to book an appointment once doses become available.

Full details of the vaccination program, including eligibility requirements, locations and administration costs, have not yet been finalized.

Experts have warned that limiting access to the vaccine could lead to an increase in severe cases of illness and higher healthcare costs. While the flu vaccine remains free, the Canadian National Immunization Committee has recommended that all adults over 65 and health care workers get the COVID-19 vaccine.

News source