Alberta’s government has announced that pregnant individuals are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine during the initial phase of the fall immunization rollout. However, many healthcare providers—particularly obstetricians and specialists—have been vocal in their opposition. They lament the lack of guidance and the overall failure to better communicate this critical information. Yet a lack of clear guidance has resulted in widespread confusion among pregnant patients over whether they should receive the vaccine.
Dr. Fiona Mattatall, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Calgary, was shocked. She has yet to receive any direct communication that the vaccine is now available for pregnant people. Rather than hearing it directly from the program, she got wind of it from a friend. Dr. Verena Kuret, a maternal fetal medicine physician in Calgary, was similarly shocked. She did not know that the policy extended coverage to pregnant people. This sudden disappearance from direct communication has raised red flags. They are now raising concerns about the efficacy of the rollout plan to enroll healthcare practitioners.
Mixed Messages in Communication
The confusing messaging surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Alberta has left many pregnant Albertans bewildered. Dr. Stephanie Cooper, maternal fetal medicine specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, understands her patients’ worries. They don’t know if they can get the vaccine. She noted that pregnant people are at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. This increased risk translates to increased rates of hospitalization and greater risk of complications such as preterm birth.
Alberta’s government first announced the immunization plan back in August. In doing so, they missed the opportunity to speak to the possible dangers of COVID-19 while pregnant. Instead, it just dropped a link to the Alberta government’s COVID-19 webportal where you can find out if you’re eligible. Pregnant Albertans can find this information by scrolling down and clicking on the “Fall 2025-2026 COVID-19 immunization program” tab.
“It has not been communicated down to us, which is unusual for a public health policy,” – Dr. Fiona Mattatall
Dr. Mattatall reiterated previous statements that indicated pregnancy should never have been removed from Alberta’s coverage. This exclusion runs counter to national recommendations. Effective communication is important not only for scientists and researchers, but healthcare professionals. Without it, they cannot accurately guide their patients on where to access the vaccine.
The Role of Government Announcements
In the past few days, federal announcements have raised questions about whether or not pregnant women should get vaccinated. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration has halted the recommendation of routine COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children. This unfortunate decision has only added to the deepening uncertainty around all things vaccination in Alberta.
Dr. Lynora Saxinger noted that while initial communication seemed to exclude pregnant women from coverage, a deeper investigation revealed that pregnancy is indeed included. She emphasized the potential need for transparency, candor, and engagement in public health communications.
“Framed with that announcement, it sounded like pregnant women were not covered. But if you actually go diving into the actual list, pregnancy is covered, which I think is good,” – Dr. Lynora Saxinger.
While other eligible, priority groups have been prioritized in federal messaging, pregnant people were glaringly left out of those spotlighted groups. A representative from the ministry confirmed this was a grave oversight and welcomed the inclusion of pregnancy in vaccine coverage.
“If that is the case, we welcome that change.” – Ministry spokesperson
Moving Forward with Vaccination
Alberta’s fall immunization plan will cover certain high-risk groups, including those who are pregnant. The province is continuing a phased approach to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. High-risk groups can schedule their appointments in advance through September 30. Return of the general public bookings will reopen to the general public in early October.
Maternal health experts encourage healthcare providers and pregnant people to check official sources for up-to-date information on whether you are eligible. Amid this communication chaos and confusion, medical professionals still recommend vaccination during pregnancy because the safety of the vaccine has been established.
“The vaccine has been shown to be safe in pregnancy in multiple studies. So it really should be recommended in pregnancy,” – Dr. Lynora Saxinger.
