Calgarians Concerned Over COVID Vaccine Costs for Infants

Calgary parents are voicing significant frustration over a $100 fee for infant COVID-19 vaccinations, questioning why young children are not included in the initial phase of free vaccine distribution. Many families find these costs burdensome, particularly when invoices arrive after the immunization appointment, leading to an unexpected financial strain. The widespread online outcry underscores the ongoing challenges families face in navigating healthcare costs amidst current financial pressures.

This issue has surfaced as Alberta's approach to COVID-19 vaccine funding evolves. As of late 2025, the province has shifted its policy, with most Albertans now expected to pay a $100 administration fee for COVID-19 vaccine doses, making Alberta the only province not providing free universal access for the general population. While certain vulnerable groups, including individuals aged six months and older with underlying medical conditions, are eligible for free vaccines, the exclusion of all infants from this complimentary tier has drawn criticism from parents.

This policy adjustment comes after the federal government transferred the responsibility for vaccine procurement to the provinces earlier in the year. The provincial government has cited efforts to minimize waste and control costs, noting that a significant number of doses went unused in previous seasons. However, for Calgary families already contending with rising living expenses and broader concerns about healthcare affordability, this additional fee for infant vaccinations highlights a critical gap in public health initiatives. The situation underscores a call for policy adjustments to better support vulnerable groups like infants during essential public health campaigns.,Calgary parents are expressing significant frustration over a $100 fee for infant COVID-19 vaccinations, questioning why young children are not included in the initial phase of free vaccine distribution. Many families find these costs burdensome, especially with invoices demanding payment after the immunization appointment. The online outcry highlights the financial challenges families face in navigating healthcare costs.

This issue comes as Alberta's approach to COVID-19 vaccine funding has evolved. As of late 2025, the province began charging most Albertans a $100 administration fee for COVID-19 vaccine doses, making it the only Canadian province not providing free universal access for the general population. While free vaccines are available for specific vulnerable groups, including individuals aged six months and older with underlying medical conditions, and those in continuing care or receiving home care, the blanket exclusion of all infants from free access has drawn sharp criticism from parents.

The shift in policy follows the federal government's transfer of vaccine procurement responsibility to the provinces earlier this year. Alberta's government has indicated this decision is part of an effort to prevent wasting unused doses and control costs, noting that many vaccines previously went unused. However, for Calgary families already managing rising living expenses and broad concerns about healthcare affordability, this additional fee for infant vaccinations underscores a critical gap in public health initiatives. The situation highlights the ongoing call for policy adjustments to better support vulnerable groups like infants during essential public health campaigns.