On Friday, this powerful news was announced by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. She announced that the majority of the province’s 4.8 million residents will have to pay out of pocket for COVID vaccines if they choose to get vaccinated. Beginning this fall, this choice will leave out everyone 65 years and older. Assure them that they’ll still be able to get the vaccine at no cost to them. Smith’s baseless claims questioning the effectiveness of the vaccine have alarmed medical professionals and public health advocates across the state and nation.
At their joint press conference, Smith went on to clarify that she doesn’t think the COVID vaccine “works all that great.” She delivered this message in tandem with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. This assertion aligns with her rationale for implementing a fee for vaccinations as a means to reduce waste, stating, “The sad part was we threw away over a million doses because people just don’t want to get the (COVID) vaccine in the same rates as others.”
Health Canada’s Position
Nicholas Janveau, a spokesperson for Health Canada, reiterated that ultimately the decision to implement a fee lies in the hands of Alberta. This decision is completely within their control. He noted, “Provinces and territories are responsible for the delivery and administration of their respective vaccination programs including determining which vaccines are publicly funded.”
Janveau elaborated on the potential ripple effect of Alberta’s decision, warning that other provinces could do the same. He stated, “In general, anytime one province finds a way to spend less without losing office, it tends to set a precedent.”
Public Health Concerns
The Alberta Medical Association has repeatedly expressed their “very significant concerns” over this dangerous new policy. They contended that it would create disincentives for vaccinations among populations who could most benefit from it. They stated, “Creating unclear policy and barriers to vaccination for high-need groups is counter-productive to public health measures.”
Health care experts have commented on the decision’s legal ramifications under the Canada Health Act. Dr. Shawn Whatley from the Toronto area pointed out that while some vaccines are covered for those 65 and older in Ontario, “If it’s listed as a medically necessary service then yes, there are CHA implications with (federal health transfer) clawbacks.”
Furthermore, Dr. Marisa Azad, an infectious disease specialist at Ottawa Hospital, condemned Smith’s statement about vaccine efficacy. She stressed that “there’s a mountain of scientific data supportive of the continued use of COVID-19 vaccines and their efficacy and safety.”
Vaccination Rates in Alberta
Alberta’s vaccination rates paint a grim picture. Last flu season, only 21 percent of Prince Georgians took a jab at the flu. Fewer than 14 percent were vaccinated against COVID-19. These numbers should set off public health alarms and spark concerns about the effects of implementing charges for vaccines.
Smith recognized these trends and said it is time to design a new payment program focused on keeping at-risk people at home. “Now that we have to develop our own new program for payment … we want to avoid wastage and make sure that people get it as a priority who are most at risk,” she said.
