Alberta’s government is updating its fall COVID-19 vaccine program into a new two-phase plan starting in October to streamline access to immunization. Phase 1 provides free vaccines to eligible Albertans, while Phase 2 makes vaccines available to everyone else for an administration fee.

“We are striking a balance between protecting vulnerable Albertans and preventing vaccine wastage. We remain committed to ensuring Albertans who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 have access to vaccines.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

Health care workers are now also eligible for COVID-19 immunization as part of Phase 1. Offering the vaccine to health care workers helps protect vulnerable patients and maintain a strong workforce, ensuring the health system can continue delivering safe, effective care.

Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge in Phase 1 includes:

  • all residents of continuing care homes and seniors supportive living accommodations
  • home care clients
  • individuals six months of age and older with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems, as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
  • health care workers
  • individuals experiencing homelessness
  • individuals 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit

All Albertans can use the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at alberta.ca until Sept. 30 to register for COVID-19 immunizations. Those who pre-order will receive a text or email notification in October to book an appointment and confirm eligibility. Pre-ordering for the 2025-26 season also allows Albertans to pre-order their vaccine for the 2026-27 season. Albertans who do not pre-order by Sept. 30 can still book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment once vaccines become available in October.

Pre-booking helps reduce vaccine wastage and ensures taxpayer dollars are used wisely. During the 2024–25 respiratory virus season, about 401,000 doses went unused or expired, costing over $44 million based on the Center for Disease Control estimated cost of a single vaccine dose.

The federal government discontinued funding beginning in the 2025 respiratory virus season. Alberta is now managing its own supply and is focused on protecting vulnerable Albertans while minimizing waste. In Phase 2, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all other Albertans, who will be required to pay an administration fee to receive the vaccine. The administration fee will be $100 per dose.

Phase 1 appointments for eligible Albertans will begin on Oct. 1. Phase 2 appointments for all other Albertans, pending vaccine availability, are expected to begin on Oct. 20. Appointments will remain open for booking for those in both phases as long as supplies last or until the end of the respiratory virus season.

Vaccines will be provided to most Albertans only through public health clinics in the province. Select pharmacists will be able to provide immunizations at continuing care and assisted living facilities through existing arrangements.

Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to determine the best immunization plan for their needs.

Quick facts

  • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) currently recommends additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine for specific populations.
  • For those not at increased risk, vaccination is discretionary. NACI cites analysis from Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. showing publicly funded vaccination of the general public would not be cost-effective based on the expected benefit.
  • NACI updated its recommendation regarding the minimum interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses to three months from six months to allow for maximum flexibility around timing. Alberta Health is now following the three-month recommendation.
  • As of April 1, Alberta has taken over the responsibility for procuring and funding COVID-19 vaccines for the province. Alberta has procured COVID-19 vaccines through the National Bulk Purchasing Program.
  • For the 2025-26 season, about 485,000 doses have been ordered to support the targeted COVID-19 immunization program.
  • Last year, 13.7 per cent of Albertans received a COVID vaccination.
  • The RSV immunization is available to all Albertans over aged 70 at no cost, and available to all other Albertans for purchase.
  • The influenza vaccine remains available to all Albertans

Related information