Why is Alberta's COVID-19 vaccination rate low compared to other provinces?

Alberta's vaccination rate is currently 6.8%, with experts pointing to the province's decision to charge $100 for the vaccine as a significant barrier.

What are the concerns about Alberta's COVID vaccine policy?

Health experts are concerned that charging for the vaccine discourages uptake and that Alberta isn't fully adhering to NACI recommendations for seniors.

How does Alberta's vaccine strategy compare to Quebec's?

Both Alberta and Quebec are charging for COVID-19 vaccines, a policy that experts suggest leads to lower vaccination rates compared to provinces offering it for free.

Home / Health / Alberta's Vaccine Uptake Plummets Amidst Rising Concerns

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.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.