Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines

A union representing 30,000 health-care workers in Alberta is calling on Premier Danielle Smith’s government to reverse course and provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and any other Albertan who wants the shot.

READ: Alberta premier defends charging most Albertans for COVID-19 vaccines

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta says that is the best way to protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep the health-care system strong.

“COVID-19 continues to put vulnerable Albertans at risk and vaccines remain the most effective tool for protecting both individuals and our broader health system, including the thousands of health care professionals who show up to care for others every day,” said union vice-president Leanne Alfaro in a statement. “They should not be expected to put themselves in harm’s way without basic protection. It is in both their best interest and the public interest to make sure they stay healthy and on the job.

Smith says the aim of the new policy, announced last week, is to prevent wastage, recover costs, and protect those who need it the most by giving them the COVID shot for free.

However, most Albertans, including health-care workers and seniors who live independently, will have to pay out of pocket.

“No one wants to see life-saving vaccines discarded unused. HSAA shares the government’s concern about reducing vaccine waste and ensuring public health dollars are spent wisely,” Alfaro wrote. “However, we are very concerned this change will limit access to COVID-19 vaccines for many Albertans, especially frontline health care professionals who deserve to be protected.

“We are calling on the Government of Alberta to provide COVID-19 vaccines to all frontline health care workers and to any Albertan who requests them free of charge. That is how we protect patients, reduce hospitalizations, and keep our health system strong.”