Alberta Claims No Vaccine Shortage Despite Pharmacy Woes

Pharmacies in Calgary are facing significant challenges in administering COVID-19 vaccines, reporting that they are receiving only a fraction of the doses they order. This scarcity is preventing them from meeting the high demand from patients. Pharmacist Randy Howden mentioned his allocation of 250 doses was cancelled, leaving him unsure when he could vaccinate seniors. Similarly, David Brewerton stated his pharmacy received a mere third of its order last week and only about a tenth this week. Despite these firsthand accounts of limited supply, the Alberta government, through its ministry for Primary and Preventative Health Services, insists there is no shortage. The ministry reported that over 450,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been ordered this season. It also indicated plans to redistribute additional vaccine supply to communities experiencing the highest demand. As of the current respiratory season, 668 lab-confirmed COVID cases have been recorded in Alberta, resulting in 148 hospitalizations, six deaths, and eight ICU admissions.