EDMONTON — The Government of Alberta has announced its readiness to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for the province’s healthcare workers. This decision comes after public health experts and health unions spoke out against a policy the government had announced two months prior, which stated that healthcare workers would have to pay for the vaccine.
At the time, health unions had argued that it was indefensible for the government not to ensure the protection of employees who work to guarantee public safety. In response, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had claimed the policy’s objective was to avoid vaccine wastage.
According to the new policy, in addition to healthcare workers, the vaccine will be free for immunocompromised individuals, those participating in community events, and the elderly. The cost of a single dose is approximately $110.
