Alberta Covers COVID-19 Vaccine Costs for Healthcare Workers

The Alberta government has reversed its earlier policy and will now cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers, a move welcomed by multiple unions representing these workers. Previously, most Albertans had to pay over $100 for the vaccine, with free immunization only available to the highest-risk groups, excluding health care workers. Union leaders criticized the initial policy as short-sighted and disrespectful, emphasizing that restricting free access to vaccines undermines public health efforts and strains the health care system. The Health Sciences Association of Alberta secured free COVID-19 vaccinations for its 22,000 members through recent bargaining agreements with Alberta Health Services. Labour leaders also called for universal free access to the vaccine for all Albertans and the availability of immunizations at pharmacies to protect essential workers and the public. Overall, the policy change has been positively received as a necessary step to safeguard health care workers and public health.