Albertans to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines under new provincial plan

The Government of Alberta will roll out a four-phase COVID-19 immunization program, shifting vaccine costs to residents, except for select vulnerable groups. The province says this marks a shift from federal to provincial responsibility, aiming to reduce waste and manage costs. But critics, especially from the NDP, have blasted the change as “callous” and “anti‑science.”

Why the shift?

Ottawa procured COVID‑19 shots since December 2020. Now, provinces are tasked with doing that, just as they handle flu shots. Alberta ordered about 500,000 doses this year, far fewer than last, for roughly $49 million.


Officials observed more than 1 million doses were wasted last season, over half of its order, equating to roughly $135 million in unused inventory.

The province estimates each dose costs about US$ 110, based on US Centers for Disease Control data. Although the final price won’t be announced until closer to rollout, residents in phases 3 and 4 will likely pay around that much.

The four stages of the program

The program unfolds in four stages:

Phase 1: Free for seniors in supportive living and home‑care clients.

Phase 2: Free for immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic conditions, residents in congregate settings, people on programs like AISH or income support, and the homeless.

Phase 3: People aged 65+ pay full cost.

Phase 4: All other Albertans must pay full cost.

Importantly, vaccines will no longer be available at pharmacies, only through public health clinics. Residents can “signal intent” via the provincial booking system, with appointments opening in early October.

Sarah Hoffman, NDP minister for health, reacted sharply:

“It’s cruel for the UCP government to put further financial burdens on Albertans who want to protect their health and their loved ones” adding it’s “dangerous… callous… anti‑science” and that the government should promote vaccines instead.

Meanwhile, Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health, defended the move: it reflects a “fiscally responsible” approach to align supply with demand, reduce waste, and prioritize high-risk individuals.

Alberta still covers routine vaccines, including flu, measles, and HPV, but COVID‑19 now moves toward a more market‑driven model. Variant‑updated mRNA vaccines remain recommended for those aged 6 months and up, particularly seniors, the immunocompromised, and Indigenous people, who qualify for biannual doses until April 17, 2025.