OTTAWA — Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange is standing by the province's new policy requiring most residents to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccinations. LaGrange expressed confidence that other provinces may adopt similar measures, following Ottawa's decision earlier this year to shift the responsibility of vaccine procurement to the provinces and territories.

In an interview, LaGrange stated, "I know that other provinces are looking at what Alberta’s doing because we’ve all seen wastage." She emphasized that the current practice of providing free COVID shots to anyone who wants one is not sustainable. "I don’t see how the federal government, or any other province … can justify continuing that type of approach when there are so many demands on our health-care system and so many places where that money can go," she added.

LaGrange anticipates that the topic of COVID vaccines will be discussed at the upcoming federal-provincial-territorial meeting in Alberta this October. She highlighted that over 400,000 doses, valued at approximately $44 million, went unused or expired in the province last year. "That $44 million goes a long way: it could mean 100 new doctors, 500 registered nurses or 3,000 more hip replacements," LaGrange noted.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reported a write-down of $1.2 billion for expired COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has indicated that maintaining universal vaccine coverage for healthy non-seniors is "unlikely to be cost effective using common thresholds." However, NACI still recommends full coverage for adults aged 65 and older, as well as for immunocompromised individuals and other at-risk groups.

While LaGrange did not specify why Alberta is not fully aligning with NACI's recommendations, she assured that more than 85 percent of Albertans over 65 will qualify for a free COVID shot under the new policy. This includes seniors in care homes, those receiving at-home care, and individuals on low-income benefits. Additionally, select high-risk non-seniors, such as those living in group homes or experiencing homelessness, will also be eligible for free vaccinations. Recently, health care workers were added to this list following feedback from labor groups.

Starting in mid-October, the remaining 4.8 million residents of Alberta will be required to pay $100 per dose for the vaccine. The Alberta Medical Association has expressed concerns regarding this decision. Shelley Duggan, president of the AMA, stated, "Immunization is a cornerstone of public health and access should not be limited by cost or logistics." She acknowledged the government's decision to provide free vaccines to health care workers but noted that Alberta's immunization strategy diverges from national recommendations.

Edmonton NDP MLA Heather McPherson criticized the new policy and urged federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to intervene. In an open letter, McPherson called for universal no-cost access to COVID-19 vaccines, including for all children under 12. Her office did not immediately respond to inquiries about whether she believes Ottawa should restore federal funding for COVID shots.

In contrast, British Columbia and Manitoba have announced they will offer free COVID shots to visiting Albertans. Michel's office stated that vaccine delivery is a provincial responsibility and declined to comment further on the matter.