Albertans are venting their anger over this year's COVID-19 vaccine rollout
The second phase of Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout opened this week, and those trying to book appointments are frustrated by both the new process and $100 administration fee.
In previous years, anyone looking for a COVID-19 booster could walk into a pharmacy or health centre and receive one, just like a flu shot each cold and flu season. But this year, the provincial government implemented a new system that Albertans say feels deliberately frustrating.
Phase 1 started Oct. 1 and offered free vaccines to seniors in care, home care clients, people with underlying medical conditions, health care workers, individuals experiencing homelessness, and seniors receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Phase 2, which began on Oct. 20, makes vaccines available to everyone else, with a $100 administration fee per dose. The province encouraged people to pre-order vaccines through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, which it claims helps to reduce waste and secures doses for the next season.
But despite this, many Albertans are venting their frustration with the system online, saying the system is confusing and difficult to navigate.
“I am at a loss,” a parent wrote on a Reddit post, which got over 800 comments.
“I followed all the stupid rules that the UCP government put in place, making it more difficult to get immunized. I did everything they asked, I jumped through every hoop, and still I can’t get an appointment.”
Danielle Smith has made it impossible to get COVID-19 vaccines
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Another said it took nine days of back-to-back calls to finally get their children vaccinated, with a drive to another town as the only option.
“After three days of consistent calling 811, which always ended in the call dropping after about an hour, my spouse got through after 45 minutes of being on hold,” another parent wrote.
We reached out to Primary Care Alberta and the office of Minister of Preventive Health Adriana LaGrange. Here’s what they told us:
“The COVID-19 vaccine is available on the private market, and participating community pharmacies can purchase it directly from their wholesalers. This is separate from the government-run fall immunization program. For information on availability and cost, Albertans should contact pharmacies directly and check with their health care benefit providers, as many private insurance plans cover the vaccine,” said the Ministry of Primary Preventive Health Services.
Nicole Merrifield from Primary Care Alberta added that Health Link is seeing “extremely high call volumes” while juggling appointments for the fall immunization campaign, questions about avian influenza, and regular health inquiries.
“Call volumes are trending down and are expected to decrease further, with wait times gradually improving over the next few days. We have extended hours and brought in all available staff to meet demand, and we continue to monitor clinic capacity to open new appointments as needed.”
A recent Angus Reid survey shows widespread opposition to provinces charging $100 for COVID-19 vaccines for people not at high risk, with 69 per cent against it nationally. Alberta and Quebec are the first provinces to introduce the fee, and while support in Alberta is slightly higher at 36 per cent, most are unhappy with the changes.
Health experts say vaccines remain important, especially for vulnerable populations. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends additional doses for high-risk groups, while most others should follow an annual schedule, with timing flexible at a minimum three-month interval.