Quebec has announced it will stop providing free COVID-19 vaccine doses to most residents, starting this fall. This decision makes Quebec the second province to implement such a policy, following Alberta's lead. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith revealed her province's similar plan in August, citing cost-saving measures.

Quebec's Health Department stated that the decision was based on recommendations from a committee of immunization experts. The committee concluded that it is no longer necessary to offer free doses to healthy adults, as a significant portion of the population has developed immunity to the virus through vaccinations or previous infections.

Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec’s national director of public health, emphasized that the risk of complications from COVID-19 is low for healthy adults. "There’s a lot of immunity inside that group," he said. He added, "In fact, it’s going to be very, very low for people that are not in the groups that are at risk."

Under the new policy, only specific groups will continue to receive subsidized vaccinations. These include individuals with chronic health conditions, those over 65, residents of long-term care facilities, and healthcare workers. Pregnant individuals, those who are immunocompromised, and residents of isolated regions will also be eligible for free vaccinations.

Dr. Boileau noted that if there are leftover doses after priority groups are vaccinated, the general public may have the opportunity to receive them at no cost. He clarified that the province is not discouraging vaccinations but believes it should be a personal choice based on individual risk factors.

The decision was also influenced by the federal government’s announcement to stop funding COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in provinces and territories. Dr. Boileau remarked, "They are not going to pay and support that financially, which is, I mean their decision, but now we have to cope with that."

Quebec's COVID-19 immunization campaign is set to begin in early October. The province will continue to provide free flu shots to the general population this fall.

Other provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, have indicated they will maintain their plans to cover vaccination costs for residents. Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson stated, "I don’t think it would be wise or fair of me to predict what’s going to happen next year. This year there is no need for any type of alarm. Our program is not changed."

For healthy adults in Quebec who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, they can do so by paying out of pocket at local pharmacies. The cost is expected to range from $150 to $180, depending on individual pharmacy rates.

In Alberta, the government reported approximately 401,000 unused vaccine doses last year, resulting in an estimated loss of $44 million. Despite the changes, the Alberta government will continue to provide free vaccines to those in need, including individuals with specific health conditions and healthcare staff. Premier Smith stated, "We’ll try it this way. This year, we are trying to mitigate costs because it is an expensive intervention."