Latest news with #NationalAdvisoryCommitteeonImmunization
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Alberta doctors association raises concerns over premier limiting free COVID vaccines
EDMONTON - The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health-care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups. The association head noted that goes against recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. 'Being unclear about policy and creating barriers to vaccination for the most high-need groups are counterproductive measures,' Duggan said in a statement. 'We need a structured, substantial strategy, one that makes it as easy as possible for those who need vaccine the most to get it.' Smith has said the policy is about preventing wastage, recovering costs, and targeting COVID vaccinations to those who need them the most. Her United Conservative Party government will still pay for some to get the shot, including those who have compromised immune systems or are on social programs. Seniors in a congregate setting will also be covered, but those 65 years or older who are living independently will need to pay. The government has said it hasn't yet determined how much Albertans would pay, but it has estimated the cost to procure each shot is $110. Local pharmacies will no longer be given a supply of COVID-19 shots, which will only be available through public health clinics through a phased delivery in the fall. The government has said the new approach will help it better know what to order in coming years. On Monday, the United Nurses of Alberta and the Health Sciences Association of Alberta called for the government to reverse course and ensure vaccines are widely available, including for health-care workers. They said staff should not be expected to put themselves in harm's way without protection, and said barriers to vaccination will put patients and the health-care system at risk. Last week, Smith said $135 million got 'flushed down the drain' last year with doses wasted in part because Albertans are increasingly choosing to not take them. 'I think it's because it doesn't work particularly well, if you want the truth,' Smith said. Just under 14 per cent of Alberta's 4.8 million residents got vaccinated for the virus last season. 'It's those that are healthy, that choose to do it because they've talked to their doctors, those are the ones that will have a little bit lesser priority,' she said. She has pointed to higher influenza vaccination rates, pegged at 21 per cent last year, and has suggested that COVID vaccines don't match the effectiveness of others, including for the measles. Duggan said she appreciates that the premier and Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange have made recent comments encouraging measles vaccination. 'They should be saying so every time they stand up in front of Albertans. With every new infection, it's more apparent that we need strong, structured and unwavering support for public health measures,' said Duggan. 'Right now, we need everyone to receive the same simple message: measles vaccine is safe and it works to prevent measles.' Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman has accused Smith's government of undermining its own public vaccination efforts, and has called the new COVID vaccine policy dangerous, callous, and anti-science. Public health-care experts say the province's new COVID-19 policy will create more barriers to getting vaccinated and also lead to higher costs as more people develop severe complications. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
6 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Alberta Medical Association raises concerns over province limiting free COVID vaccines
The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care worker unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health-care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups. She says creating barriers to vaccination for the most high-need groups is counterproductive. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The association head also notes pieces of the policy are counter to recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. However, Duggan says she appreciates that the government is encouraging measles vaccination. Smith says her government is looking to prevent wastage, recover costs, and target vaccinations to those who need them the most. Story continues below advertisement
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Alberta doctors association raises concerns over Smith limiting free COVID vaccines
EDMONTON - The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care worker unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health-care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups. She says creating barriers to vaccination for the most high-need groups is counterproductive. The association head also notes pieces of the policy are counter to recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. However, Duggan says she appreciates that the government is encouraging measles vaccination. Smith says her government is looking to prevent wastage, recover costs, and target vaccinations to those who need them the most. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Alberta doctors association raises concerns over Smith limiting free COVID vaccines
EDMONTON – The organization representing Alberta doctors is joining health-care worker unions in raising concerns over Premier Danielle Smith's decision to charge most Albertans for a COVID-19 vaccination this fall. Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says the policy leaves behind many seniors and health-care workers, and doesn't even mention pregnant individuals, First Nations, Inuit, Métis or members of other racialized groups. She says creating barriers to vaccination for the most high-need groups is counterproductive. The association head also notes pieces of the policy are counter to recommendations from Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. However, Duggan says she appreciates that the government is encouraging measles vaccination. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. Smith says her government is looking to prevent wastage, recover costs, and target vaccinations to those who need them the most. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025.
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- 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.'
