Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that her government’s abrupt reversal on COVID-19 vaccine coverage for health-care workers was driven by union demands.
Earlier this week, the province announced that all health workers would be eligible for free shots this fall, despite a June decision that most Albertans, including health staff, would have to pay up to $110 for a dose. Smith said the shift followed a request from the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which reached a tentative bargaining deal last week.
“In consultation with other unions, they wanted access for their members. It will not be mandatory, purely a choice,” Smith said at an unrelated event. She added that during respiratory virus season, health workers face increased exposure to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
The policy change has fueled fresh calls from health advocates and the Opposition NDP to expand coverage to seniors and vulnerable groups. Public health experts have criticized Alberta’s approach as irresponsible, warning it could heighten costs and restrict access, particularly in rural areas where pharmacies are excluded from the rollout.
Smith defended the plan, pointing to vaccine wastage and declining uptake. The province said it has ordered 485,000 doses for the fall, about 250,000 fewer than last year. More than half of last year’s stock was spoiled, Smith noted, adding that the government is aligning its COVID-19 approach with RSV policy.
Over 100,000 Albertans have already logged on to pre-order their vaccines. Those who miss the September 30 deadline will still be able to book once shots become available in October. Details on qualifying health conditions for free coverage have yet to be released.
