Alberta Doctors and Unions Raise Concerns Over COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

The Alberta Medical Association (AMA), representing the province's doctors, is expressing concerns alongside healthcare unions regarding Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccinations this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, the AMA president, highlights that the policy overlooks vulnerable groups such as seniors, healthcare workers, pregnant individuals, and members of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other racialized groups. This approach contradicts recommendations from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Dr. Duggan emphasizes that unclear policies and barriers to vaccination for high-need groups are counterproductive. She advocates for a structured and comprehensive strategy that simplifies access to vaccines for those who need them most.

Premier Smith has stated that the policy aims to prevent vaccine wastage, recover costs, and target vaccinations to those most in need. The United Conservative Party government will continue to cover the cost of vaccinations for individuals with compromised immune systems, those on social programs, and seniors in congregate settings. However, independent seniors aged 65 and older will be required to pay. The government has yet to determine the exact cost per dose, but estimates the procurement cost at $110 per shot.

The government's new approach involves a phased delivery of vaccines through public health clinics, eliminating the supply of shots to local pharmacies. This change is intended to improve the government's ability to manage vaccine orders in the future.

The United Nurses of Alberta and the Health Sciences Association of Alberta have also urged the government to reverse its decision, advocating for widespread vaccine availability, including for healthcare workers. They argue that healthcare staff should not be expected to work without protection and that vaccination barriers will endanger patients and the healthcare system.

Premier Smith has cited the wastage of vaccine doses last year as a reason for the policy change, attributing it to a decline in vaccination uptake. She has also suggested that COVID vaccines are less effective than other vaccines, such as those for measles.

the measles vaccine is safe and effective.

Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman has criticized the government's policy, calling it dangerous, callous, and anti-science. Public health experts also predict that the new policy will create more obstacles to vaccination and lead to increased healthcare costs due to complications from the virus.