Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government's new policy forcing many Albertans to pay out of pocket for a COVID-19 vaccination is about focusing on those who need it the most.
Smith says $135 million got "flushed down the drain" last year from doses wasted in part because of low vaccine uptake.
Her government will still pay for some, including for those who have compromised immune systems or are on social programs, to get shots.
Smith says she thinks low vaccination rates for COVID-19 in Alberta last year are because the vaccine "doesn't work particularly well."
The Opposition NDP says it's a cruel move to charge Albertans who want to protect their health and their loved ones.
Public health-care experts say fewer people will get vaccinated and it could lead to higher costs for things like hospital stays.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2025.
Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
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