Albertans can now pre-order their COVID-19 vaccines through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System.
This is due to the province preparing to roll out a new, more targeted COVID-19 immunization program this fall.
People who want to get a COVID-19 vaccine will need to book an appointment in advance and pay for it.
COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed in four phases, beginning with residents who are most at risk. The changes follow a shift in responsibility for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government to the provinces earlier this year.
The Alberta government says the targeted approach will help align supply with demand and reduce waste.
In a June press release, the Alberta government said that in 2023-24, more than one million doses, 54 per cent of the province’s order, went unused, costing an estimated $135 million.
“In previous years, we’ve seen significant vaccine wastage,” said Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange. “By shifting to a targeted approach and introducing pre-ordering, we aim to better align supply with demand—ensuring we remain fiscally responsible while continuing to protect those at highest risk.”
The government has ordered about 485,000 doses for the 2025-26 season, with estimated program costs capped at $49 million—some of which will be recovered through charges in the later phases.
However, pharmacists say removing COVID-19 vaccines from community pharmacies and limiting distribution to public health clinics could create barriers.
Community pharmacies will no longer be administering COVID-19 vaccines; they will only be available through public health clinics.
Alex Chiu, pharmacist and owner at The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, said limiting distribution could affect timely access.
“There's gonna be a gap in public health, because there's gonna be potentially a charge for certain individuals to get it, which might be obviously cost prohibitive,” he said. “I thought the prices were like $80 or $90 for some people, that is costly, considering the rest of the living expenses.”
He said seniors were still coming to his pharmacy to get the COVID-19 vaccine until he could no longer administer the vaccine.
Cassandra Woit, a pharmacist at Midtown Apothecary, said the change could create barriers for people who want to stay protected.
“Having the vaccines only available at the public health clinics… travel may be an issue for individuals. Booking might be a concern for individuals,” she said. “It is another area where it just limits the number of individuals who may be able to get the vaccine, even if they do really want that.”
Woit also explained that cost could be a barrier for people.
“It's another barrier in place. Some individuals may need that $100 or some dollars to be put forward to, you know, food or their lodging, those types of things,” Woit said. “So it is another area where it just limits the number of individuals who may be able to get the vaccine, even if they do really want that.”
Albertans can pre-order their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines starting Aug. 11 through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System. The pre-order system also allows individuals to reserve vaccines for the 2026-27 season.
