Alberta to pay for COVID shots for health workers in policy reversal

Alberta's government says it will cover the costof COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers in a partial policy reversal. It comes two months after the government said most Albertans, including health workers, would have to pay for COVID-19 shots this fall.

Public health experts and health-care unions called it irresponsible to force front-line workers to pay for protection in the workplace.

Premier Danielle Smith has said the aim of the new policy is to prevent wastage, after some $135 million was spent on unused doses.

The government hasn't finalized how much other Albertans will need to pay, but an estimated cost to buy each shot is $110.

The province says those who have compromised immune systems, people on social programs and seniors in congregate settings will be covered.