Alberta maintains $100 COVID vaccine fee as fall campaign begins
Albertans can book shots starting October 5. Uptake dropped 40% after the fee was introduced last year.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alberta is keeping the $100 fee for COVID vaccines as it launches a provincewide autumn campaign for influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus shots next month.
Albertans can start booking appointments October 5. The fee waiver applies to anyone over 65 and people with health conditions that put them at risk for severe illness. Pharmacies will supply the vaccine again this year.
The government says the fee reduces waste. Vaccine wastage dropped to just about 20 per cent in 2025 from nearly 50 per cent in 2024. But uptake fell sharply: COVID vaccine uptake dropped by just about 40 per cent after the fee was introduced last year, compared to the year before.
Justin Wright, Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister, said in a statement: "By expanding protections and offering immunization options close to home, we're giving families more ways to protect the people they love, especially those most vulnerable."
What specific health conditions qualify someone for the fee waiver beyond age 65?
How much revenue has the $100 fee generated since it was introduced?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When can Albertans book COVID vaccine appointments?
Albertans can start booking appointments on October 5.
How much does Alberta charge for a COVID vaccine?
Alberta charges $100 for COVID vaccines, though the fee is waived for anyone over 65 and people with health conditions that put them at risk for severe illness.
How much did vaccine wastage drop after Alberta introduced the fee?
Vaccine wastage in Alberta dropped to about 20 per cent in 2025 from nearly 50 per cent in 2024.
How did COVID vaccine uptake change after Alberta introduced the $100 fee?
COVID vaccine uptake dropped by about 40 per cent after the fee was introduced, compared to the year before.
