Doctors voice concerns about vaccine rollout

By Lethbridge Herald on August 16, 2025.

Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald

The Alberta Medical Association is expressing concerns about the provincial government’s new pre-order system for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.

Pre-ordering started on Aug. 11 for COVID and influenza vaccines at government website https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/s/booking

The province says COVID vaccines will only be available through public health clinics for eligible Albertans and a fee may apply. And the government says pre-ordering a dose doesn’t guarantee an appointment, the availability of which will depend on eligibility at the time of immunization.

The AMA says the fee for a dose is estimated to be more than $100.

“We believe public health protection shouldn’t become a privilege. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has issued clear, evidence-based guidance: vaccines should be made easily available, particularly for priority populations such as seniors, health care workers, pregnant people and those with underlying conditions,” said  AMA president Dr. Shelley Duggan on Thursday.

“These groups are most at risk of severe illness – and yet many will now face significant cost and access barriers under this new policy,” said Duggan.

The AMA says the provincial health system needs what it calls a “fair and accessible strategy, not a one-size-fits-all, pay-to play  system” adding that any unnecessary complication risks a reduction in  updates and an increase in preventable illnesses.

Adriana LeGrange, minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, has said the new rollout was in response to significant wastage in previous years.

“By shifting to a targeted approach and introducing pre-ordering, we aim to better align supply with demand-ensuring we remain fiscally responsible while continuing to protect those at highest risk.”

NACI, says Duggan, has emphasized that health care workers and other care providers need to remain a priority for vaccinations.

“These individuals may need to care for people who have COVID-19 or work in environments where COVID-19 patients are treated. Under the ethical principle of reciprocity, HCWs should have timely, barrier-free access to vaccination to protect themselves and prevent  transmission to vulnerable patients,” added Duggan in a newsletter.

“Introducing a user-pay model for COVID-19 vaccines risks reducing uptake, especially among those who cannot easily afford the cost or navigate the new pre-order system. This could lead to preventable  illness, hospitalizations and further strain on an already stressed  health care system. As physicians, we know that prevention through  immunization is one of the most effective – and cost effective – public health measures we have,” said the doctor who is a critical  care specialist in Edmonton.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not presently available, says the province on the myhealth.alberta.ca website. It recommends people who have  experienced COVID-19 check with a healthcare provider about when to  get a vaccine.

“It is important to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you have already  had the virus,” the website states.

The government recommends that everyone over the age of six months get  the influenza vaccine.

On Monday the Government of Alberta announced it would be transitioning from a universal COVID-19 immunization program to a targeted program which prioritizes higher-risk Albertans.

According to the government announcement, those six-months and older with underlying medical conditions, compromised immune systems or in congregate living accommodations as well as those on social programs such as AISH, income supports and individuals experiencing homelessness will be able to receive the vaccine free of charge.

Albertans also have until Sept. 30 to preregister, with only those preregistering being eligible for the vaccine.

Patients are also able to register online at bookvaccine.alberta.ca or by calling 811, which is helpful for those who are not able to book online.

The vaccine will also only be administered through public health clinics, not pharmacies which have previously offered the shots.

With files by Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.