Alberta Faces COVID-19 Shot Costs; B.C. Offers Free Vaccines

URGENT UPDATE: As Alberta prepares to charge many residents for COVID-19 shots, British Columbia steps in with a solution—offering free vaccinations to all Canadian travelers, including Albertans. This pivotal announcement comes at a critical time, with details emerging just hours ago.

Premier Danielle Smith confirmed that starting this year, only select groups, including health-care workers, AISH recipients, and the immunocompromised, will receive free vaccinations in Alberta. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Smith emphasized the need for cost mitigation, stating, “We’ll try it this way this year. We are trying to mitigate costs because it is an expensive intervention.” The government has yet to clarify whether other groups like teachers or seniors might be eligible for free shots.

For those in Alberta facing potential out-of-pocket expenses, British Columbia is maintaining its publicly funded vaccination program. Citing a reciprocal agreement among provinces since 2013, B.C.’s Ministry of Health assures that Albertans can receive their COVID-19 shots without charge.

To access this service, individuals must present identification as a Canadian resident along with a personal health number or equivalent. The ministry warns that non-B.C. residents should be prepared for potential waits of several weeks for appointments, especially during the busy fall and winter viral respiratory illness season.

For urgent inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact the Get Vaccinated call centre at 1-833-838-2323 to find public health unit locations and appointment availability.

This news is crucial for Alberta residents as they navigate new vaccine policies. With the continuing fight against COVID-19, access to free vaccinations in neighboring B.C. provides a vital option for many who may face financial barriers at home. As the situation develops, it’s essential to stay informed about both provincial policies and vaccination availability.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Alberta government releases more details on vaccination costs this Friday.