Free COVID Shots for High-Risk Albertans at Pharmacies

0:00It's April 7th. I'm Corey with The Story, and this is Canada News Today, local news powered by AI. Albert is flipping the script on COVID shots for high-risk folks. Starting Tuesday, vulnerable people can grab free spring doses at pharmacies again, no more shelling out $100 like last fall. This targets those most at risk of severe illness, keeping protections strong year-round. Earlier this fall, the province switched to charging most adults and sticking free shots at public clinics only. That sparked headaches with booking and access, leaving many sidelined. Now, they're opening up pharmacies for a second dose this season to boost convenience. Reactions hit horror from Albertans frustrated by the barriers, and experts like University of Calgary Proff Craig Jen call the drop in Vax rates, disappointing. Just 7.7% of folks got a dose so far this season, down from 14% last year and 17% the year before. Local crews include people 80 and older, seniors in long-term care or group homes, anyone

1:026 months in up, who's moderately or severely, immunocompromised, and 65 to 79 year olds with key health issues. Kids under 12 still head to public clinics via health link. Pharmacists are geared up, stalking Moderna shots and eyeing better fall roll outs. This move removes row blocks, ramps up community access, and could turn around those slumping numbers for good.