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By The Canadian Press

Health Care

Doctors say saving money on COVID vaccines could end up costing far more in public health-care expenses

Oct 23, 2025 | 9:23 AM

Alberta doctors say the province’s effort to save money on COVID-19 vaccines could end up costing taxpayers far more in public health-care expenses.

The head of the Alberta Medical Association, Dr. Brian Wirzba (WURTZ’-bah), says there’s still time for the government to make its vaccines more accessible.

It comes after the province opened up appointments to the general public at a cost of 100-dollars each.

The doctors association says that cost will deter at least five per cent of Albertans from getting the shot, costing the system some 65-million dollars in hospitalizations alone.

In August, the government estimated more than 400-thousand unused doses last year cost 44-million dollars.

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Premier Danielle Smith has said they’re trying to mitigate the wastage and expense of what she’s called an “expensive intervention.”

The government says it targeted the most high-risk groups with free vaccines, including those with underlying medical conditions.

The ministry in charge says uptake for the vaccine has been waning since the height of the pandemic, and there’s a lower risk of severe illness.

(The Canadian Press)