Albertans to pay out-of-pocket for COVID-19 vaccines under new provincial plan
The
Government of Alberta
will roll out a four-phase COVID-19 immunization program, shifting vaccine costs to residents, except for select vulnerable groups. The province says this marks a shift from federal to provincial responsibility, aiming to reduce waste and manage costs. But critics, especially from the
NDP
, have blasted the change as 'callous' and 'anti‑science.'
Why the shift?
Ottawa procured COVID‑19 shots since December 2020. Now, provinces are tasked with doing that, just as they handle flu shots.
Alberta
ordered about 500,000 doses this year, far fewer than last, for roughly $49 million.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Unsold Container Homes in National Capital Region - Prices You Won't Believe!
Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
Officials observed more than 1 million doses were wasted last season, over half of its order, equating to roughly $135 million in unused inventory.
The province estimates each dose costs about US$ 110, based on US Centers for Disease Control data. Although the final price won't be announced until closer to rollout, residents in phases 3 and 4 will likely pay around that much.
Live Events
The four stages of the program
The program unfolds in four stages:
Phase 1
: Free for seniors in supportive living and home‑care clients.
Phase 2
: Free for immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic conditions, residents in congregate settings, people on programs like AISH or income support, and the homeless.
Pha
se 3:
People aged 65+ pay full cost.
Phase 4
: All other Albertans must pay full cost.
Importantly, vaccines will no longer be available at pharmacies, only through public health clinics. Residents can 'signal intent' via the provincial booking system, with appointments opening in early October.
Sarah Hoffman, NDP minister for health, reacted sharply:
'It's cruel for the UCP government to put further financial burdens on Albertans who want to protect their health and their loved ones' adding it's 'dangerous… callous… anti‑science' and that the government should promote vaccines instead.
Meanwhile, Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health, defended the move: it reflects a 'fiscally responsible' approach to align supply with demand, reduce waste, and prioritize high-risk individuals.
Alberta still covers routine vaccines, including flu, measles, and HPV, but COVID‑19 now moves toward a more market‑driven model. Variant‑updated mRNA vaccines remain recommended for those aged 6 months and up, particularly seniors, the immunocompromised, and Indigenous people, who qualify for biannual doses until April 17, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Make yoga a way of life to discover peace and inner bliss
The word 'yoga' originates from the Sanskrit root word 'YUJ' which means to join, to unite or to yoke. This 'union' refers to the harmony of body, mind and spirit. The word 'yoga' itself signifies the attainment of this union. If these three always work in tandem, there is no misery in life. Yoga is a way of life that provides a rare opportunity to leave the rough and tumble of the world behind and attain inner peace. We are all aware that whole world is going through turmoil and tough times, while facing challenges of different magnitude. Yoga, in its essence, is more than just physical exercise; it encompasses physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It's a holistic approach to health. Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self, to the self—'The Bhagavad Gita'. Yoga is not just a set of exercises; it's a way of integrating practices like mindful breathing—pranayama, physical postures—asanas, meditation and ethical principles into daily life. It's a highly scientific practice that has a deep understanding. It helps individuals understand their physical and mental patterns and encourages them to make conscious choices. It reduces anxiety, mental stress and you are relaxed and that leads to changed mental resilience and to a more harmonious way of living. It is a journey that has no destination, but on its way aids you of self-discovery and personal growth. Meditation is a way for nourishing and blossoming of the divinity within you. The, best part of yoga is that it has no side effects, whatsoever. In fact, it boosts our immunity while balancing the body and mind during the times where you have the stench of disease and death (remember the horrific Covid anguish. The United Nations has declared June 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Most educational institutions around the world have started to include yoga in their curriculum. India is the source of this knowledge. It is our heritage that has been handed over to us by our Rishis and Munis. It's our moral responsibility that we need to preserve and expand this knowledge and spread it to every corner of the world. The origin of yoga traces back to 5000 years. It was first mentioned in the ancient sacred text, 'The Rigveda'. Though it was practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great sage, Maharishi Patanjali systematized and codified the existing practice of yoga. Widely revered as the father of yoga, he compiled various aspects of yoga into 'yoga sutras', which is a foundational text for the practice. The enduring popularity of yoga is largely due to its adaptability through the ages. It is non-competitive and compliant to every size, shape, gender and age and is not one size for all. You can adapt it to your own body. There is a basic outline and alignment for each posture but it is also about listening to your own body and moving from within. As a strong believer in the power of yoga and a long- term practitioner I can vouch that @ 73, I am still going strong without any of the ailments associated with age. Every practice prepares me for new challenges and readies me to face the world with courage, strength and determination. Practice yoga for your entire life and use it as a tool for staying young and agile. Remember yoga is just not touching your toes, it's about what you learn. It's all about trusting yourself about being powerful and kind.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How to use rice-water aloe vera pack for Korean Glass Skin
Achieving the 'glass skin' look—skin that appears smooth, hydrated, and naturally radiant—doesn't always require high-end products. Simple, natural remedies like a rice-water and aloe vera face pack can support skin health when used consistently and correctly. Rice water is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It helps in brightening the skin, tightening pores, and improving overall texture. Meanwhile, aloe vera has calming and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated or sensitive skin and supporting the skin barrier. Dr. Shraddha Deshpande, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, says, 'To make the pack at home, soak about two tablespoons of raw rice in water for 3–4 hours, strain the water, and mix it with a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to clean skin, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This blend hydrates, evens skin tone, and gives your skin a soft glow. Use it 2–3 times a week as part of a consistent skincare routine.' While such natural remedies can support healthy skin, they are not a substitute for medical treatments in case of persistent skin concerns. And like with any topical product—natural or not—doing a patch test is important, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Also remember, achieving long-term skin glow involves more than just external treatments. Adequate sleep, hydration, a balanced diet, sun protection, and gentle skincare practices all play crucial roles. This rice water and aloe vera pack is a great example of how traditional ingredients can complement modern skincare, offering a gentle and accessible way to maintain radiant, healthy skin. How to get perfect Korean glass skin with natural ingredients One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Blending tradition with reinvention: In age of AI, yoga straddles spiritual & corporate worlds
As the world rolls out its mats for International Day of Yoga on Saturday, the ancient practice continues to evolve, blending tradition with reinvention. In Hyderabad, this shift is clear, with people increasingly embracing yoga for mental clarity, physical strength, or, more often, a combination of both. Rooted in breathwork, meditation, and self-awareness, yoga today has also become a go-to workout for strength, fl exibility, and stress relief. 'In the beginning, I turned to yoga just to manage my back pain,' said G Surekha, 47, a practitioner from Ameerpet. 'My friends suggested power yoga. I focused on the stretches, and it worked wonders for my posture.' Over time, she was drawn to deeper practices like pranayama and meditation. 'I realised it's not just about sitting still. Breathwork helped calm my mind and changed the way I handle emotions.' Such transitions are common, say experts. 'Modern yoga often starts with asanas, but the real goal is mental clarity,' said Dr A Malathi Syamala, superintendent at the state-run Nature Cure Hospital and director of the Vemana Yoga Research Institute. 'Dynamic routines like vinyasa or power yoga attract beginners, but ideally, they should progress toward traditional practices that foster inner awareness.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Budget-Friendly Bedroom Makeover Guide SearchMore Learn More Undo The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, especially among the youth. 'They began recognising the importance of breath and mental health,' said Janardhan Durga Prasad, director of Bodhi School of Yoga. 'Younger people chase results through postures like headstands and splits, while older individuals prefer meditation and slow breathing. But Covid united both groups. Now, we often see over 100 participants per batch. ' While traditional hatha yoga includes just 32 postures, social media has exploded the range. 'Instagram is driving creativity in form,' said Prasad. 'People now see yoga not just spiritually, but scientifi cally—it's about improving physical standards.' There's no one-size-fi ts-all approach, instructors note. 'Some come for pain relief, others for peace or self-growth,' said Nishanth Babu Vasireddy, a teacher with 17 years of experience. 'What matters is whether it enriches your life. At its core, yoga is a science of the mind.' Even hybrid forms like beer or water yoga have their takers. 'If they spark awareness and consistency, they still serve a purpose,' he added. Experts also stress early exposure. 'We shouldn't wait till children are 17 or 18,' said Dr Malathi. 'Simple postures and mudras boost focus and memory. Diet education must also be included.' In today's distracted world, they say, modern yoga spreads awareness, but traditional yoga remains the path to true transformation.
