I’ve been tracking what’s happening to Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine access, and the situation developing isn’t pretty, especially for our seniors here in Calgary and across the province.
Last week, the provincial government announced that Albertans will now need to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines, mirroring changes they’ve already made to influenza shots. Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government is simultaneously reducing the number of locations where COVID vaccines will be available.
The timing couldn’t be worse. As I walked through Eau Claire Market yesterday, I overheard several older Calgarians discussing how they’d manage these new barriers. One woman in her 70s told her friend she might skip this year’s shot entirely.
“This change targets our most vulnerable populations, particularly seniors on fixed incomes,” says Dr. Melissa Thompson, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Calgary. “We know seniors face the highest risk from COVID-19, yet we’re making it harder for them to protect themselves.”
According to Alberta Health Services data, approximately 85% of COVID-related deaths in the province have been among those 60 and older. Now, this demographic faces new financial and accessibility hurdles.
The vaccines, previously available at no cost through public health clinics and pharmacies, will now cost between $30-$55 per dose depending on the vaccine type. For seniors living on fixed incomes, particularly in neighborhoods like Forest Lawn and Dover where I’ve previously reported on financial struggles among older residents, this represents a significant burden.
“Many of my patients are already choosing between medications and groceries,” explains Dr. Rahul Sharma, a family physician serving northeast Calgary. “Adding another expense, even if it’s once yearly, forces impossible choices.”
The accessibility challenges might prove even more problematic. The province is reducing vaccination sites by approximately 70%, with COVID shots now available only at select AHS facilities rather than the widespread pharmacy network previously used.
For Calgary seniors living in communities with limited transit options like Valley Ridge or Scenic Acres, reaching these facilities represents a serious challenge. I spoke with Martin Chen, 78, who lives in Coventry Hills and doesn’t drive.
“It took me 15 minutes to walk to my local pharmacy for my vaccine last year,” Chen told me. “Now I need to take two buses and travel downtown. That’s nearly impossible in winter.”
The Alberta Council on Aging has raised alarms about these changes. Their executive director Patricia Wilson called the new policy “a significant step backward in protecting older Albertans” during our phone interview yesterday.
Critics point out this move aligns with Premier Smith’s previously stated skepticism about COVID-19 vaccination programs. Last year, she faced criticism after claiming unvaccinated people faced the “most discrimination” she’d witnessed in her lifetime.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange defended the change, citing budget constraints. “Alberta taxpayers have invested heavily in pandemic response, and we must transition to a sustainable model,” her office stated in response to my inquiry.
However, health economists question this rationale. University of Alberta health economist Dr. James Morrison estimates the province will ultimately pay more through increased hospitalizations than it saves by cutting vaccine access.
“For every dollar saved on vaccine administration, we typically see $5-7 in additional healthcare costs from preventable illness,” Morrison explained. “This isn’t fiscal responsibility; it’s penny-wise and pound-foolish.”
Some pharmacists are exploring options to improve access despite the changes. Calgary pharmacist Leela Patel told me her Forest Lawn location is considering organizing community transport services to help seniors reach vaccination sites.
“We’ve built trust with our senior customers over years,” Patel said. “Many don’t understand why they suddenly can’t get their COVID vaccine where they get all their other medications.”
The timing is particularly concerning as Alberta approaches respiratory virus season. Last winter, Calgary hospitals faced severe capacity challenges, with emergency room wait times averaging over six hours during peak COVID and influenza periods.
For now, community organizations are attempting to fill the gaps. The Kerby Centre in downtown Calgary has announced plans to coordinate transportation assistance for seniors needing vaccines. Similar initiatives are emerging in Edmonton through the Sage Seniors Association.
As Alberta moves ahead with these changes, the true impact will only become clear in the coming months. For Calgary’s seniors, particularly those with mobility or financial limitations, staying protected from COVID-19 just became significantly more complicated.
