Alberta Charges Most People for COVID-19 Vaccines
Sign at Medicine Hat Community Health Services on Dunmore Road
While flu shots are free for all Albertans over the age of 6 months, COVID-19 shots are no longer universally free in Alberta. Unless an individual has an underlying health condition that puts them at risk, they will be required to pay approximately $100 for the shot.
Quebec is the only province that does the same, all other provinces provide the covid vaccine for free. Meanwhile, BC has offered free covid vaccines to all Albertans this season.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are prioritized for B.C. residents, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness.
Residents from other provinces and territories in Canada who would like to get vaccinated in B.C. can call the provincial vaccine line 1-833-838-2323 (toll free) after November 24, 2025 to find out which public health units provide immunization to non-B.C. residents and appointment availability. Be prepared to wait up to several weeks for an appointment during the peak of B.C.'s fall and winter immunization program. Source - Gov’t of BC
Getting the Shot
I got my covid shot yesterday. Unlike in the past when I got it at my doctor’s office or a pharmacy, the free shots are only available at the health unit. COVID-19 shots are available at some local pharmacies but they will cost more than $100. One pharmacy is charging $135 + a $20 injection fee. Blue Cross MAY reimburse you for the shots depending on what type of plan you have.
I had to sign an agreement that said if I did not qualify for the free shots that I would pay $100 when an invoice was sent to me.
The agreement I had to sign at the health unit.
The nurse asked me if I had any underlying medical conditions. In the past simply having asthma has not qualified me for certain other vaccines so this time I added “obesity”. (I always thought it was pretty evident I was a wee bit fat but the nurse said that they do not assume anything.) I should not be receiving an invoice.
I got a flu shot at the same time so I had two injections. I expect to feel kind of lousy soon but I’d much rather be miserable for a day or two than get the flu or covid. The last time I had covid I was coughing for months and had to get a special inhaler to be able to say more than a word or two at a time.
Who Qualifies for the Free COVID Shot?
According to the updated guidelines, the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided free of charge only to Albertans who meet specific risk-based criteria. The groups that will continue to receive publicly funded vaccines include:
Health care workers
Eligible health care workers include -
Union members (for example, UNA, HSAA, AUNP, AUPE, CUPE) as well as individuals who work in patient-facing settings such as:
hospital staff (including students in health disciplines, contract workers and volunteers)
staff in community health settings (for example, clinical labs, home care, shelters)
medical first responders
staff in continuing care and supportive living
disability support workers and staff working in recovery settings
health care aides on the provincial registry
students training in facilities such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, continuing care homes and supportive living accommodations
All residents of continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations.Homebound home care clients.
Individuals 6 months of age and older with underlying medical or immunocompromising conditions.
Eligible underlying medical conditions
cerebrovascular disease
chronic liver diseases
chronic lung diseases
chronic kidney diseases
cystic fibrosis
diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2
disabilities (for example, Down syndrome, learning, intellectual, or developmental disabilities; ADHD; cerebral palsy; congenital disabilities; spinal cord injuries)
heart conditions (for example, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc.)
mental health disorders (limited to: mood disorders, including depression; schizophrenia, spectrum disorders)
obesity
pregnancy
tuberculosis
Eligible immunocompromising conditions
cancer (currently receiving treatment)
HIV infection
primary immunodeficiency diseases
solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
use of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive medication or CAR T-cell therapy
Individuals experiencing homelessness.
Individuals 65 years of age and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Once again, adults under the age of 65 without any qualifying underlying health conditions will no longer be covered by the public program and must pay out-of-pocket if they wish to receive the vaccine.
Pre-Ordering for Future Seasons
In a related but separate process, the province has opened its voluntary pre-ordering system for future seasons. Albertans can now indicate their interest in a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2026/27 season through the Alberta Vaccine Portal.
Pre-ordering for the 2026/27 (next year) season ends Dec 15 2025
A government spokesperson clarified that
"pre-ordering is not necessary to get a vaccine this year or in the future, and does not guarantee a dose. It is simply a tool to help the government gauge demand for planning purposes."
