COVID concerns arise as vaccine becomes unavailable for some until fall immunization program

The mother of a one-year-old is concerned there is no available COVID vaccine for her daughter.

Her baby has started daycare, increasing the risk of spread.

“They are making it very hard for parents to ensure that their children can be healthy in this province,” said Shuhiba Mohammad.

“It makes me feel a little helpless.”

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Health Canada has only approved the Moderna/Spikevax vaccine for children under age 12.

A spokesperson for Alberta’s Primary and Preventative Health Services, provided CTV News with a statement:

“The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine remains available for eligible individuals 12 years of age and older until July 31, 2025. After that date, it will no longer be administered as Alberta prepares for the rollout of the new COVID-19 vaccine formulation this fall,” the statement read.

“Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is currently unavailable across Canada, as all remaining doses have expired. It is expected to be available again in the fall 2025/26 immunization program for individuals six months of age and older.”

Mohammad says she really wants to avoid having a very sick child.

“I would love for her to have some immunity so that her body can fight against COVID if she happens to get it before she can get immunized in the fall,” she said.

In a previous announcement, the province said it is pausing the COVID immunization program as of Aug. 1 and wants to order the vaccine that offers protection against the latest strain.

Starting Aug. 11, eligible Albertans will be able to register for a dose.

The next step will be to book an appointment at a health clinic.

The province will also charge a fee for doses, estimated at more than $100, but that may change.

Health-care workers will also have to pay.

The new vaccine program will roll out in four phases.

During the first, only residents in seniors’ supportive living and home care will be able to get a vaccine for free.

The second phase will open provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines to people with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems, people living in congregate living accommodations, people on social programs like AISH or income support or people experiencing homelessness.

In the third and fourth phases, all other Albertans starting with those 65 years of age or older will be able to purchase a vaccine.

Health law experts are concerned the new program increases health inequity.

“There’s a link between health and wealth, and those who are healthiest are also often able to afford these things,” said Lorian Hardcastle, assistant professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.

Hardcastle says she’s worried the new rules add barriers and confusion that will decrease vaccine uptake.

“I understand that politically, this is not a government that believes in pushing vaccines or incentivizing people to get vaccinated. But if you want medical choice and medical freedom, which this government has spoken a lot about, that should also be paying for vaccines for those who want them and want them for their children,” she said.

Craig Jenne, a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, is also concerned about Alberta’s changes to COVID vaccine rollout.

“The lack of availability of COVID vaccines for Albertans under the age of 12 is both concerning and frustrating,” he said.

“Although COVID levels are currently low in the province, the virus is still out there and infection remains a risk. Kids may have underlying conditions, have at-risk family members or may be planning travel to COVID hot spots, yet are unable to receive vaccination.

“Last year alone, about three dozen children required admission to an ICU due to COVID, so this is not a harmless infection in children.”

Public Health Agency of Canada response

A statement sent to CTV News from the Public Health Agency of Canada said the following:

“In Canada, the vaccines procured to support jurisdictional campaigns in 2024/25 were the Moderna Spikevax KP.2 vaccine for those 6 months of age and older, and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those 12 years of age and older.

“The Moderna Spikevax KP.2 vaccines to support the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccination campaigns expired in June 2025.

“Vaccines targeting the latest strains of COVID-19 are currently under review by Health Canada and, if authorized, would be made available soon after.

“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a minimum interval of three months between COVID-19 doses for previously vaccinated individuals. In addition to considering NACI guidance, provinces and territories determine immunization programs based on their unique circumstances, including assessing the risks and needs of their respective jurisdictions.

“For the first time since federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines concluded, provinces and territories are making decisions on the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines available for use beginning in the second half of 2025 and into 2026, similar to the approach for vaccines in regular immunization programs.

“Provinces and territories also determine the eligibility criteria for publicly funded vaccination in their jurisdiction.”