Alberta's Paid COVID-19 Vaccine Plan Faces Backlash from Experts

According to a recent news report, Alberta's plan to charge for COVID-19 vaccines has faced widespread criticism from health experts, advocates, and unions. The province announced the fee two months ago and has now opened online pre-ordering, with shots set to be available starting in October.

However, many are sounding the alarm, arguing the policy could backfire and lead to more hospitalizations and strain on the healthcare system. Dr. James Talbot, Alberta's former chief medical officer of health, said the government appears to be doing everything it can to make this year's immunization campaign a "failure" by making the vaccines less available, accessible, and affordable.

Experts and physicians have penned an opinion piece warning the plan creates unfair barriers, putting Albertans at risk. Leigh Allard, president of Alberta Lung, said the government's policy makes it an extreme outlier, and its precedent could ripple across the country. There are also concerns over accessibility, as Albertans will no longer be able to walk into pharmacies for shots, and affordability, as the estimated cost is around $110 per dose.

The provincial government has said it will still cover the cost for some, including those with compromised immune systems or on social programs, as well as seniors in congregate settings. However, the specifics of the qualifying health conditions have not been released, leading to further confusion.

Unions have also expressed frustration, with the Alberta Federation of Labour warning the plan could violate workplace health and safety laws by not including all healthcare, education, and service sector workers on the priority list. The United Nurses of Alberta has said the plan limits the freedom of Albertans to choose vaccination.