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Updates to the COVID-19 vaccine program: Learn about what's changing.

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COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 vaccine updates for Albertans

What's new

Last updated: October 1, 2025

The Alberta government has updated its fall COVID-19 vaccine program into a 2-phase plan starting in October 2025.

On this page

Vaccination phases and eligibility

Phase 1: Highest risk groups

Appointments begin October 1, 2025

The vaccine is available for free through public health clinics for:

  • Health care workers
  • All residents of continuing care homes and seniors' supportive living accommodations
  • Home care clients
  • Individuals experiencing houselessness
  • Individuals aged 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit
  • Individuals aged 6 months and older with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

You qualify for free vaccine coverage if you have an eligible medical condition. Some conditions include diabetes, depression, certain heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy and more.

Eligible underlying medical conditions:

  • Cerebrovascular disease
  • Chronic liver diseases
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Chronic kidney diseases
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2
  • Disabilities (for example: Down syndrome, learning, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, ADHD, cerebral palsy, congenital disabilities, spinal cord injuries)
  • Heart conditions (for example: Cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc.)
  • Mental health disorders (limited to: Mood disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, spectrum disorders)
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Tuberculosis

Eligible immunocompromising conditions:

  • Cancer (currently receiving treatment)
  • HIV infection
  • Primary immunodeficiency diseases
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Use of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive medication or CAR T-cell therapy

This list of medical conditions is sourced from the Alberta government website.

Phase 2: All Albertans aged 6 months and older

Appointments expected to begin October 20, 2025

The vaccine is available to all other Albertans 6 months and older for $100 per dose through public health clinics.

How to get your vaccine

You can book your COVID-19 vaccines for appointments starting October 1 if you’re eligible for the free vaccine. Appointments start October 20 for all other Albertans.

Coverage through Alberta Blue Cross®

Some benefit plans may have coverage for vaccines, but the coverage amount will vary.

How to check if you have coverage

Paying out of pocket? First, check how much drug coverage you have left before getting your vaccine. Many plans have annual vaccine limits.

Here's how to do that:

  • Sign in to your account.
  • Go to Benefits.
  • Go to the drug section and use the look-up tool to check your eligibility.
  • Enter the following drug names or Drug Identification Numbers (DINs):
  • Spikevax, provided by Moderna (DIN 02557770)
  • Spikevax, provided by Moderna (pediatric dose DIN 02541270)
  • Comirnaty, provided by Pfizer (DIN 02552035)

Reimbursement for the COVID-19 vaccine

  • You'll be mailed an invoice after your public health vaccine appointment.
  • After you've paid the invoice, call to request a receipt from Alberta Health Services.

Phone numbers:

Press 3 to reach billing. Your receipt will be mailed out to you.

Do not submit an invoice. We require a receipt that includes the details below.

What your receipt must include

For coverage eligibility, your receipt must include all of the following information:

  • First and last name of the person receiving the vaccination
  • Date of service
  • Description of the service or Drug Identification Number (DIN)
  • Quantity
  • Name of the public health clinic
  • Amount charged, which has been marked as paid in full (zero balance owing)

If this information is not included, it will result in requests for more information and delay your claim.

Frequently asked questions

The vaccine may also be available for purchase at some pharmacies. The Alberta government will be providing vaccines only through public health clinics, which is the most affordable option at $100 or free if you're eligible.

The following list summarizes the key differences:

Pharmacy:

  • Prescription costs range from $135 to $140
  • Additional injection fee of approximately $20 (varies by pharmacy)
  • Available for those who are 12 years old and older
  • Cost can be direct billed by the pharmacy, however injection fee is not covered (except through a Health Spending Account)

Public health clinic:

  • Cost is $100 or free if you meet the eligibility criteria
  • Available for those who are 6 months and older
  • Submit your receipt for reimbursement

There are many common conditions that qualify for free vaccine coverage. Check the list of eligible conditions.

No, Alberta Blue Cross® cannot provide reimbursement until you've paid and received a receipt showing you've paid in full.

Yes. If you have limited or no drug coverage for vaccines, you can use your Health Spending Account to cover eligible costs.

Disclaimer

This information is updated regularly based on Alberta government announcements.

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