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Premier Danielle Smith's government announced the policy shift in June.

Smith has said $135 million got "flushed down the drain" last year, with doses wasted in part because Albertans are increasingly choosing to not get them.

The premier also has cast doubt on how well the COVID vaccine works, while still covering the costs of it for some, including those with compromised immune systems.

Public health experts have said the policy could introduce barriers to getting vaccinated and lead to higher costs for things such as hospitalizations and severe complications.

This report by °µÍø½ûÇø was first published Aug. 11, 2025.