Various pharmacists across the province say they’ve started waitlists for private COVID-19 vaccines because they can’t get their hands on stock as discouraged Albertans turn to them for the shots.
The provincial government is up against the negative response to charging most residents for the vaccine and many people have struggled to book through the public system, which has been described as unclear and difficult.
The government-run program is only offering COVID shots at public health clinics. Some eligible groups are able to get the shot for free, while most people must pay $100. There are some supplies that are available through pharmacies privately. Pfizer Canada, the company supplying that private stock, said it has placed temporary limits on orders due to higher than expected demand. Many of the people coming into pharmacies have had trouble booking through the province’s online booking system for public health clinics. Others are being offered appointments a month or more away, well into the respiratory virus season.
Pfizer Canada, which is supplying its Comirnaty vaccine for the private market, said demand this season has been higher than expected.
“Pfizer Canada remains committed to ensuring Canadians have access to our COVID-19 vaccine through both public programs and the private market,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Limits have been placed on the quantities pharmcacies can order to avoid shortages, according to Pfizer.
“We expect additional inventory to arrive soon and are advancing shipments to Canada to help meet demand. Our goal is to return to normal ordering as quickly as possible,” the statement said.
McKesson Canada, a vaccine distributor, also acknowledged the supply issues.
“We are diligently working to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to market as swiftly as possible. The situation is primarily due to a manufacturer supply backlog,” an emailed statement from the company said.
The provincial government said the shots available on the private market are separate from the government-run vaccine program.
“Alberta’s government does not play a role in private procurement or distribution; pharmacies must work directly with their suppliers to address any supply challenges,” said Maddison McKee, press secretary to the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Adriana LaGrange.
McKee said more than 142,000 COVID doses had been administered through the provincial program as of October 30, basically Moderna’s formulation for people 12 and up and targeted for Moderna for kids under 12.
“Provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines are being offered through public health sites to ensure those at highest risk can access the vaccine, while supporting effective inventory and resource management across the province,” the statement said in part.
“Primary Care Alberta continues to open new immunization appointments daily to meet growing demand. Health Link has increased staffing and extended its hours to respond to higher call volumes, and these measures will continue as needed.”
McKee says the ministry is closely monitoring the situation.
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