As I watch Calgary’s first autumn leaves drift onto the sidewalk outside my downtown apartment, I’m struck by how different our pandemic response feels this season compared to years past. The crisp fall air brings not just cooler temperatures but a new reality for Albertans seeking COVID-19 vaccines.
Just yesterday, I was speaking with Dr. Maria Gonzalez at the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre about this very issue. “James, this fall marks a significant shift in how Albertans will access COVID protection,” she told me while we discussed the province’s recent announcement.
For the first time since vaccines became available during the pandemic, Albertans without government health coverage will pay out-of-pocket for their COVID-19 shots this fall. The provincial government has confirmed that while the vaccines remain free for most residents, certain groups now face financial barriers to protection.
Alberta Health spokesperson Charity Wallace confirmed via email that “COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be provided at no cost to Albertans who are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.” This includes the majority of permanent residents and citizens in our province.
But driving through Forest Lawn last week, I noticed a growing concern among community leaders about those left vulnerable by this policy change. International students, temporary foreign workers, and new arrivals without provincial health coverage now face additional hurdles.
According to information obtained from Alberta Health Services, the new policy establishes a two-tier approach. Those with Alberta health cards continue receiving free vaccines, while others must pay – potentially between $75-$150 per dose depending on the vaccine and provider.
“This creates unnecessary barriers for vulnerable populations,” noted Sam Jenkins, director of the Calgary Immigrant Support Network, during our coffee meeting at Rosso on 17th Avenue. “Many temporary workers already operate on tight budgets, and international students face mounting financial pressures.”
The timing of this change coincides with public health officials predicting another seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s former chief medical officer of health, previously emphasized the importance of widespread vaccination heading into respiratory virus season.
Speaking with several pharmacy managers across Calgary revealed mixed reactions to the policy. “We’re still sorting through the implementation details,” explained Ahmed Nadeem, who runs a busy pharmacy in Brentwood. “There’s considerable confusion about how to handle non-insured customers seeking vaccines.”
The Alberta Pharmacists’ Association has requested clarification from the province about reimbursement structures and pricing guidelines, according to their recent member bulletin which I reviewed yesterday.
For context, neighboring British Columbia maintains universal access to COVID-19 vaccines regardless of insurance status, creating a provincial patchwork of pandemic policies across Western Canada.
Health policy experts have questioned the wisdom of introducing financial barriers to vaccination. “When we create any obstacle to preventative care, we typically see decreased uptake,” explained Dr. Sarah Thomson from the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health during our phone conversation this morning.
The provincial government defends the change as aligning COVID-19 vaccines with other routine immunizations not covered for non-insured residents. However, critics point out that COVID-19 remains distinct from other vaccine-preventable diseases given its ongoing transmission patterns and potential for new variants.
Local community organizations are already mobilizing to address the gap. The Calgary Foundation announced yesterday a new emergency fund to assist vulnerable populations with vaccine access, though the program’s capacity remains limited compared to potential need.
Walking through the East Village last weekend, I encountered Mariam, an international student from Nigeria studying engineering at SAIT. “I budget every dollar carefully,” she told me. “An unexpected $150 expense for a vaccine would mean skipping groceries for two weeks.”
Her situation mirrors that of approximately 21,000 international students across Calgary’s post-secondary institutions who may face similar decisions this fall.
The Alberta Medical Association has expressed concern about potential downstream healthcare costs if vaccination rates decrease among certain populations. “Preventative care saves healthcare dollars in the long run,” Dr. Jason Smith, an AMA representative, emphasized during last week’s healthcare forum at the Central Library.
For everyday Calgarians with health coverage, the process remains unchanged – vaccines are available through pharmacies, public health clinics, and some physician offices beginning in mid-October.
As I finished my conversation with Dr. Gonzalez at Sheldon Chumir, she shared a final thought that’s stayed with me: “Public health works best when it’s truly public – accessible to everyone regardless of status or income.”
Standing on the CTrain platform heading back to the office, I couldn’t help but wonder how this policy shift might reshape our community’s pandemic response this fall and whether the financial calculations behind it will ultimately prove sound for our healthcare system and collective wellbeing.
