Albertans Struggle to Access Free COVID-19 Shots Amid Confusing Eligibility Rules

In November 2025, Alberta's COVID-19 vaccination program continues to face challenges, with health experts urging residents to double-check if they qualify for the free shot. The province's decision to charge $100 for the vaccine, one of only two provinces in Canada to do so, has sparked ongoing confusion and frustration among Albertans.

Despite the province's efforts to provide the vaccine for free to those with certain health conditions, the eligibility list is lengthy and detailed, making it difficult for many residents to understand if they qualify. "This information is not intuitive, and the lists are long and they're detailed," said Craig Jenne, the deputy director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases at the University of Calgary.

Doctors and scientists have also criticized Alberta for diverging from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's guidance, which recommends that all seniors be among the high-risk groups eligible for the free shot. "I think it's really important for people to be very aware of what that list is -- take a look at it before you go. Read every line detail by detail and think about whether you do actually have any conditions that make you covered for the COVID-19 vaccine," said Edmonton emergency room physician Dr. Shazma Mithani.

The Alberta government has stated that as of November 1, 2025, 150,187 COVID vaccine doses had been administered for free through the publicly funded program, which translates to 3.8 percent of the population. However, experts believe that with a more straightforward eligibility process, many more Albertans could potentially qualify for the free shot.