The government of Alberta has announced that those required to cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine this fall will face a charge of $100.

This price detail emerged on Friday as part of Alberta's two-phase strategy to provide free vaccinations to certain groups while instituting a fee for others.

Eligible individuals, including healthcare workers, select seniors, and those with underlying health conditions, can secure appointments starting October 1. Conditions qualifying for a complimentary vaccine include pregnancy, obesity, mental health disorders, heart and lung issues, diabetes, and HIV.

Notably absent from Alberta's online eligibility criteria are specific mentions of prioritization for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

The general population can start making appointments three weeks later but will be responsible for the $100 administration fee.

This development follows Alberta's decision two months prior to require residents to pay out-of-pocket for the COVID-19 vaccine after federal authorities transferred procurement responsibilities to provincial governments.

Premier Danielle Smith's administration has faced criticism over this policy change; however, Smith defends it as crucial to preventing millions in wasted resources. She cited an estimated $44 million loss from approximately 401,000 unused doses last year as evidence of financial inefficiency.

"This year we're trying to mitigate costs because it is an expensive intervention," Smith explained recently. "We don’t pay for the RSV shot... so we’re aligning our approach on COVID with how we handle RSV."

Public health professionals have criticized Alberta's strategy as potentially irresponsible by creating more vaccination barriers. In response to union demands during negotiations, Alberta reversed part of its initial plan requiring healthcare workers to pay for their vaccines.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi reiterated his stance earlier on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine should be universally covered in Alberta. "Albertans deserve access to this vaccine just like every other Canadian," he stated.