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Alberta's Vaccine Uptake Plummets Amidst Rising Concerns
19 Dec
Summary
- Alberta's current COVID vaccination rate is 6.8%, down from previous seasons.
- Experts criticize Alberta's decision to charge for vaccines as a barrier.
- Quebec and Alberta lead in charging for COVID-19 shots, impacting uptake.
Alberta's COVID-19 vaccination rate has dropped to a concerning 6.8% this respiratory virus season, prompting alarm from health experts. This figure represents a significant decline from previous years, raising questions about the province's public health strategy.
Experts criticize Alberta's policy of charging $100 for the vaccine, calling it a barrier that discourages uptake. While free for high-risk groups, this deviates from recommendations for universal vaccination. This approach mirrors Quebec's, which also charges for the vaccine and has a lower rate outside Alberta.
Health specialists emphasize that the vaccine remains a crucial tool against severe illness and hospitalization, especially for vulnerable populations. They argue Alberta's decision to not fund universal vaccination, despite NACI guidelines recommending it for all seniors, represents a missed opportunity to protect its residents.
