Albertans who are ineligible for free COVID-19 vaccinations in Alberta can receive them in British Columbia. The Ministry of Health in British Columbia stated that this option is available to Canadian residents under a reciprocal agreement among all provinces and territories.
According to the ministry, any publicly funded immunization in British Columbia can be administered at no cost to Canadians traveling within the province, including those from Alberta. However, there are limitations. Albertans cannot obtain free vaccinations at B.C. pharmacies. They must schedule an appointment, with priority given to B.C. residents at the clinics.
Non-B.C. residents should anticipate a waiting period of several weeks for an available appointment during the peak of the fall/winter COVID-19 vaccination program, if appointments are even available, as per the ministry’s statement.
Alberta is the sole Canadian province not offering universal access to free COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Initially, free access in Alberta was restricted to specific groups, such as seniors in supportive living, individuals receiving home care, those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions, and homeless individuals. Other Albertans seeking vaccination will need to pre-register, with the cost yet to be disclosed publicly.
Premier Danielle Smith defended the province’s policy, citing last year’s high wastage rate of COVID-19 vaccine doses due to insufficient demand. The federal government funded vaccine procurement in previous years, but for 2025, provinces and territories are responsible for vaccine costs.
Notably, Alberta extended free COVID vaccinations to health-care workers this week. Health experts endorse the COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing its approval by Health Canada and recommendation by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Despite the requirement for pre-registration, Professor Craig Jenne suggested offering the vaccine for free to encourage uptake and reduce barriers for families. Smith explained that cost considerations influenced the decision not to offer the vaccine for free outright.
Moreover, the RSV vaccine, also unfunded by the province, could complement COVID-19 immunizations, potentially alleviating pressure on the health-care system. While other prairie provinces provide free COVID vaccines to all residents, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have specific provisions for their populations.
Residents of Lloydminister, located on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, are eligible for free immunizations at a Saskatchewan clinic, but it remains unclear if other Albertans can access vaccines there.