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Calgary Herald

Breakenridge: Premier in lockstep with U.S. 'failure of policy and science'

Article content As parts of the U.S. — much like Alberta — continue to grapple with measles outbreaks, the American Health and Human Services secretary has been making some unfortunate statements about the measles vaccine. Article content Although Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tepidly endorsed the vaccine earlier this year, he more recently claimed that vaccine-induced immunity is short-lived and that the vaccine hadn't been 'safety-tested' — both of which are untrue. This is the same man who previously falsely claimed that the polio vaccine had killed more people than polio itself. Article content Article content Article content The same man, now the agency's secretary, has fostered chaos and uncertainty around vaccines by abruptly firing the entire vaccine advisory panel at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Article content Article content It is dismaying to see what is unfolding south of the border, but it is alarming to see Alberta's government taking its cue on these matters from this administration. I don't think the premier has jumped on the 51st state bandwagon, but it's unclear why we're deferring to the Americans on any issue. Article content In a late Friday afternoon news dump last week, the Alberta government abruptly announced a massive overhaul of the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Article content Essentially, it means that Albertans who are not immunocompromised or who do not receive certain provincial social benefits will have to pay out-of-pocket for the vaccine. Accessing the vaccine will be more difficult, as it will only be offered in public health clinics. Article content Article content The government claims it is 'committed to ensuring Albertans who are at highest risk' still have access to vaccines. However, that does not include pregnant women nor does it include those who work in health-care settings. It should be noted that the standing guidance from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends a vaccine for at-risk groups, including both pregnant women and health-care workers. Article content Article content But apparently, Alberta's government is more interested in RFK's guidance than NACI's. Friday's news release notes that 'recently, the Federal Drug Administration in the United States stopped recommending routine COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and healthy children.' There is no mention of any standing recommendations from any Canadian bodies or officials. Article content It could be a coincidence, but it's interesting to note that the executive director of the premier's office has previously praised Kennedy, saying it's 'hard not to cheer for this man' and that he 'seems to possess great character.'