Continued Free Access to COVID-19 Vaccines

Posted on by marc glassman

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is deeply concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the availability of free COVID-19 vaccines in the coming years. When asked specifically for their plans regarding future vaccinations, the government hasn’t been forthcoming in their responses. The federal government has not announced plans to continue providing provinces with free COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season. 

Bill VanGorder, Advocacy and Education Officer at CARP urges its members to fight for the continuing use of free COVID-19 vaccines in the coming year. “Your advocacy is vital to ensuring that vaccines remain accessible to everyone, especially those most vulnerable to severe outcomes”, says VanGorder. “Let’s work together to protect our health and that of our communities.”

Facing An Uncertain Future

Concerns are deepening because the use of vaccines has traditionally been under the bailiwick of the provinces. So far, none of the provinces have committed to covering the costs of vaccinations, particularly for variants of COVID. This uncertainty persists despite the announcement of a national pharmacare “framework.”

According to a recent Government of Canada survey, 73 per cent of Canadian seniors received the flu vaccine last season and 67 per cent received the COVID-19 vaccine. The most recent National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) guidance says that COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for all adults 65 years of age of older. Quite clearly, Canada’s seniors should remain diligent and have the most up-to-date protection for COVID and such conditions as shingles, the flu, RSV and other pneumococcal illnesses.  

The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. As the virus evolves, updated vaccines are necessary to provide adequate protection. Seniors, in particular, benefit from these updates, as they remain at a heightened risk of severe outcomes. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada have occurred in people over 65, underscoring the vaccine’s importance for older adults.

CARP’s Advocacy Position Regarding Vaccines

CARP believes that all five major vaccines–COVID, Flu, Shingles, RSV and Pneumococcal conditions—should be part of a national pharmacare program paid and administered by the Federal government. Provincial funding for and access to vaccines differs across Canada. This means that while vaccines may be available in a province, they may not be affordable to those who are most vulnerable. It is CARP’s position that all older Canadians should have equitable access to the most effective vaccines available. CARP urges seniors to talk to their elected provincial and federal representatives to express their desire to have complete coverage of all five key vaccines. 

Protecting Ourselves and Our Communities

COVID-19 continues to be a leading cause of hospitalization, with over 57,000 Canadians having lost their lives to the virus. The good news is that we have effective tools to mitigate the risk. Alongside common sense practices like wearing masks, hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, vaccination remains one of the most effective layers of protection.

Vaccines are currently free for all Canadians, but with no assurance for next year, CARP encourages its members and all Canadians to take action.

How You Can Help

Ensure continued free access to COVID-19 vaccines by voicing your concerns:

  • Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your provincial and federal elected officials to express your support for guaranteed free access to COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Share the Facts: Spread awareness about the vaccine’s benefits and the need for equitable access.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for the latest guidelines.

For more detailed information, visit Health Canada’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guide.