As respiratory virus season approaches, Alberta is preparing to launch its fall immunization program. Aligning with National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, the program offers respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 immunizations, including broader protections for children and vulnerable adults, with access through community pharmacies, Primary Care Alberta public health clinics and outreach services across the province.

Immunization can reduce serious illness and hospitalization, helping keep Albertans safe and easing pressure on the health care system during respiratory virus season. Starting Oct. 5, Albertans can book their immunization appointments online, by calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or public health clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy. Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider for guidance on immunizations and what options are best for them.

“We all have people in our lives we want to keep healthy, whether it is a new baby, grandparent or someone managing a serious health condition. By expanding protections and offering immunization options close to home, we’re giving families more ways to protect the people they love, especially those most vulnerable.”

Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

“Fall immunization programs help protect Albertans from serious respiratory illnesses, protect more susceptible family and community members, and decrease the need for hospitalization. Additionally, this reduces pressures on our health care system. The expanded adult RSV program, as well as the infant program, provides protection for Albertans at risk of severe RSV disease. Providing RSV antibodies to newborns during the respiratory season is expected to reduce severe illness, emergency department visits, and RSV-related hospitalizations in infants.”

Dr. Vivien Suttorp, chief medical officer of health, Primary and Preventative Health Services

RSV immunization

RSV immunization is available free of charge year-round through public health clinics and participating community pharmacies for eligible seniors, older adults living in continuing care and supportive living, and eligible First Nations, Métis and Inuit Albertans. Beginning Oct. 1, eligibility will expand to additional vulnerable adults aged 18 to 69 with certain serious medical conditions, including transplant recipients, people receiving dialysis and those requiring chronic oxygen therapy.

In addition, Alberta will now offer publicly funded RSV monoclonal antibody product to all infants born in hospital from November through to April. Families will be offered the protection shortly after birth, before babies leave the hospital.

Influenza immunization

Influenza immunization will be available free of charge at community pharmacies, public health clinics, and outreach services for all Albertans six months of age and older.

COVID-19 immunization

COVID-19 immunization will be available free of charge for eligible Albertans 12 years of age and older at public health clinics and participating community pharmacies, including:

  • those at increased risk of severe illness due to underlying health conditions
  • seniors
  • residents of congregant living settings
  • homeless Albertans
  • pregnant Albertans
  • First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Albertans
  • teachers and health care workers

Other Albertans 12 years of age and older who wish to receive the immunization will be able to purchase the vaccine through participating community pharmacies.

COVID-19 immunization is available for all children six months to 11 years of age through Primary Care Alberta public health clinics, with children who are considered at high risk due to an underlying medical condition eligible for publicly funded immunization.

Quick facts

  • Alberta is working with immunization providers to balance broad access to immunization services with responsible stewardship of publicly funded vaccines by improving vaccine utilization, reducing wastage and strengthening accountability across the system.
    • Alberta reduced COVID-19 vaccine wastage by more than half, from almost 50 per cent in 2024-25 to less than 20 per cent in 2025-26, through enhanced inventory management and redistribution of vaccine between providers.
    • The 2026-27 respiratory virus program includes additional measures, such as vaccine pre-ordering, to help better align supply with demand and support responsible use of vaccine inventory.
  • Depending on age and eligibility, Albertans can access immunizations through community pharmacies, public health clinics, and outreach services.
  • Residents of continuing care homes and supportive living accommodations will be offered influenza, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations at their facilities as they become available.
  • Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same appointment.
  • For Albertans ineligible for publicly funded COVID-19 immunization, both the administrative fee for those six months to 11 years of age and the cost to purchase the vaccination for those 12 years of age and older is $100.
  • Many pharmacies accept walk-ins, and vaccine availability can be checked through the Alberta Blue Cross pharmacy inventory map.

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