Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines
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EDMONTON — A union representing 30,000 health-care workers in Alberta is calling on Premier Danielle Smith's government to reverse course and provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and any other Albertan who wants the shot.
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says that is the best way to protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep the health-care system strong.
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Toronto Star
an hour ago
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EDMONTON - The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health-care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups.
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
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Alberta doctors association raises concerns over Smith's move to limit free COVID vaccines
The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health care worker unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups. She says creating barriers to vaccination for the most high-need groups is counterproductive. The association head also notes pieces of the policy are counter to recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. However, Duggan says she appreciates that the government is encouraging measles vaccination. Smith says her government is looking to prevent wastage, recover costs and target vaccinations to those who need them the most.
