EDMONTON – Alberta doctors say the province’s effort to save money on COVID-19 vaccines could end up costing taxpayers far more in public health-care costs.

Dr. Brian Wirzba, head of the Alberta Medical Association, which represents doctors in the province, says there’s still time for the government to improve public communication about vaccines and make them more accessible.

“In my clinic talking to patients, they’re still confused about how they could even get it,” said Wirzba, who practises internal medicine in Edmonton.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government has said its new policy charging most Albertans $100 for the shot is an effort to reduce wastage and expense. It’s offered various cost estimates but in August pegged the price tag for about 401,000 unused doses last year at $44 mi

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