AHS Expands Eligibility for Free Covid Vaccine
Full disclosure - author Kelly Allard is on the board of the Palliser Friends of Medicare
In what comes to a relief for many with underlying medical conditions, Alberta has expanded eligibility for free covid vaccines this flu season in an August 22 press release.
August 20 Two days before the press release Chris Gallaway of the Alberta Friends of Medicare had some harsh words to say about the Alberta government.
Our government needs to stop pandering to anti-vaccine rhetoric, and start taking Alberta’s public health seriously,” said Gallaway. “It’s time for them to do their job, which is to protect the public and our health care system from preventable disease, and that means returning to universal coverage for COVID-19 vaccines for all Albertans.
Alberta is the only province in Canada not providing the covid vaccine for free this flu season. Vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of infection or serious illness, saving money by preventing hospitalization and death.
August 22 The Alberta government has backed down from insisting that all Albertans other than health care workers must pay for the covid vaccine this flu season, saying,
Alberta’s government is updating its fall COVID-19 vaccine program into a new two-phase plan starting in October to streamline access to immunization. Phase 1 provides free vaccines to eligible Albertans, while Phase 2 makes vaccines available to everyone else for an administration fee.
“We are striking a balance between protecting vulnerable Albertans and preventing vaccine wastage. We remain committed to ensuring Albertans who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 have access to vaccines.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services
…
Vaccines will be provided to most Albertans only through public health clinics in the province. Select pharmacists will be able to provide immunizations at continuing care and assisted living facilities through existing arrangements.
Anyone else who wishes to get a covid shot must pay a $100 administration fee.
The province of BC has offered free Covid shots to all Canadian travellers, conditions apply
For more info on getting vaccinated in BC, Call: 1-833-838-2323
Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. Statutory holidays, 9 am to 5 pm | Translators are available
How to Get Your Covid Vaccine
Register
Albertans must preregister, you can do that online or register by phone at 811. You will need your health care number to register. You will be given a registration number.
Pre-Order
You can pre-order your covid and flu vaccines, you do not need to register to do this. This is only available from August 11 - Sept 30. You will need to provide an e-mail address or a phone number that can receive texts.
The government website says
“Pre-order your vaccines for the 2025-2026 immunization season by clicking Pre-Order Now.
Please note: Submitting a pre-order does not guarantee an immunization appointment. Appointment availability will depend on your eligibility at the time of immunization.”
Book Your Appointment
You will need your health care number or your registration number to book an appointment for those over 5 years of age at a community pharmacy. Vaccines for those from 6 months to under 5 years (and their families) must be received at an AHS clinic. To book, click here.
Currently the booking screen offers you 3 options for vaccines.
Tdap - Only one outlet in Medicine Hat right now
RSV - Only one outlet in Medicine Hat right now
Pneumococcal vaccine - No available appointments right now
Eligibility
Health care workers are eligible for COVID-19 immunization as part of Phase 1.
Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge in Phase 1 includes:
all residents of continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations
home care clients
individuals six months of age and older with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems, as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
health care workers
individuals experiencing homelessness
individuals 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit
Eligible Health Care Workers:
members of UNA, HSAA, AUNP)
members of AUPE working in acute care or continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations
health care students who are training in health facilities (for example, hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, LTC)
physicians
Health Care Aides who are on the provincial registry
Eligible underlying medical conditions:
cerebrovascular disease
chronic liver diseases
chronic lung 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)
chronic kidney disease
HIV infection
primary immunodeficiency diseases
solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
use of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive medication or CAR T-cell therapy
